Shop with a Cop Scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
The Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA), Sarasota Police Department, Target and Breeze Transit are partnering to provide 125 underprivileged children with a unique holiday experience to “Shop with a Cop” for holiday gifts in Sarasota.
The Sarasota Housing Authority will pair 125 local underprivileged children with Sarasota Police officers to shop for holiday gifts. The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 6 to 8 a.m. at Target, 5350 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Journalists are welcome to attend.
“For almost 15 years, our collaboration with the Sarasota Housing Authority on the Shop with a Cop program has been a powerful reminder of why we serve,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. “Sharing this experience with children, helping them choose gifts, hearing their stories and being a part of their holiday joy, is something our officers and civilian employees cherish each year.”
“This special event showcases SHA’s commitment to providing positive, uplifting experiences for our youth, while promoting mutual respect with our Sarasota Police partners.” said Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell. “Many of our kids who have participated in past events reminisce about what a positive experience it was to shop with and get to know SPD officers.”
SHA raises more than $19,000 for this event through its 501c3 affiliate Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation. This year’s event will be made possible through donations by Communities Unified, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Target, First Horizon Foundation and other private donors.
Vivian Hugill and Karsyn Robbins, sisters of the two young women who founded the charity Communities Unified, said the program remains meaningful to them. “I was very young when our sisters started Communities Unified, and it has been exciting to watch it develop and grow. I am very proud to be part of this and look forward to continuing to support our community,” Hugill said. “It’s great to be a part of Shop with a Cop. I love seeing the Sarasota Police Department build relationships with children and families in the Sarasota community,” Robbins said.
Donations provide Target gift cards that Sarasota Police officers and civilian employees will use at checkout for each of the 125 children. Those wishing to donate can do so through SHA’s 501(c)(3) affiliate, the Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation (SHFC). Checks can be made payable to the Sarasota Housing Funding Corporation with “Shop with a Cop” in the memo line. Checks or cash donations can be dropped off at the Sarasota Housing Authority, 269 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. For more information, contact the Sarasota Housing Authority at 941-361-6210 x221.
