CCSO partners with Target to host First Annual Back to School Shop with a Cop

July 31, 2024- Port Charlotte, FL

Deputies shopped with 30 Charlotte County children for back-to-school essentials at Target in Port Charlotte.

For 20 years and counting we have been able to give Christmas joy to hundreds of Charlotte County children through our Shop with a Cop program. This year, thanks to the generosity of our community, CCSO employees, community partners, and Target of Port Charlotte, we were able to bring ‘Back to School Shop with a Cop’ to life.

With the assistance of School Resource Officers and guidance counselors, 30 middle school children in need were invited to Target of Port Charlotte to shop for back-to-school essentials. Back to School Shop with a Cop is a unique program for our area, with it including more than just purchasing clothing, backpacks and school supplies. This program is designed to allow children to engage in positive interaction with law enforcement officers while they prepare for the upcoming school year. This not only helps a child’s fear of beginning school without presentable clothing and acceptable shoes, but it also helps the financial burden for the parents or caretakers.

“I would like to thank Target for their generosity and hospitality for our first Back to School Shop with a Cop. I would also like to thank all those who contribute to this wonderful program. Your donations have allowed us to explore new ways to give back to Charlotte County. It is times like this where I am reminded of the blessing it is to serve in such a strong and supportive community.“

– Sheriff Bill Prummell

The goal of Shop with a Cop has always been to provide a place where children can have a positive interaction with law enforcement. This does not replace our Christmas Shop with a Cop at our local Walmart Stores. It enhances the program as a whole and helps calm the nerves surrounding back to school time. We hope Back to School Shop with a Cop will continue to alleviate some of those pressures for children and families.

Once again, we are only able to provide these programs through the generosity of our community. We thank you for that continued support of us, and we are honored to give it back to our youth through this program.