San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Probation is organizing a softball fundraiser to support this year’s Shop with a Cop event, aimed at providing children from around the county with a happier holiday season.

Shop with a Cop is an annual event sponsored by local law enforcement agencies, Sea World, Target, and STAR/PAL, a not-for-profit organization. The initiative has been in place since 1994 and seeks to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. This year's event on December 7 will allow children selected from local schools to spend a day at Sea World and receive a $200 holiday shopping spree at Target.

The softball tournament aims to raise sufficient funds to sponsor 300 youth countywide. Twenty-one law enforcement teams will participate in the tournament starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 17 through Sunday, August 18 at Sportsplex USA, located at 9951 Riverwalk Drive in Santee. Last year’s champions were the Chula Vista Police Department men’s team and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department coed team.

Participating departments this year include County Probation, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Santee Fire Department, Chula Vista Police Department, Oceanside Police Department, San Diego Police Department, Lakeside Fire Protection District, El Cajon Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, National City Police Department, and Carlsbad Police Department.

The community is invited to attend and support their favorite team for a $5 fee for those aged 16 and older. This fee includes a $3 token towards a beverage. Additionally, attendees can support Shop with a Cop by purchasing event t-shirts designed by Deputy Probation Officer Natalia Lopez as well as challenge coins, lapel pins, and raffle tickets. Donations are also being accepted; contributors should specify that they want their donation to support Shop with a Cop.

For further information or inquiries:

County Communications Office

communications@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-595-4633