It’s a way of giving back to the community. It’s super important, especially for law enforcement, to be involved I the community, and that’s how we initially paired up with this event. Law enforcement isn’t just law and order. We’re also community members, giving back to the community.”

Hastings Police Department Community Engagement Officer Whitney Rinowski

This is such a great store. I just love being able to give the dollars back to the local establishments that really help build this community.”

County Financial and agent Mandy Bremer

Local kids had the opportunity to mingle and shop with Hastings Police Department officers in a Shop with a Cop program Sunday afternoon at the closest thing downtown has to Santa’s workshop, S.C. Toys, 212 2nd St. E.

The event, in its second year, was sponsored by County Financial and agent Mandy Bremer. She said that the company funds the program that provides $50 per child to get whatever they want at the store. With the S.C. Toys selection, kids worked their way through the shelves and displays to narrow their selections.

Bremer said 17 kids five families in need in Hastings were invited to participate.

“Our company is really fantastic about wanting us to be in the community, boots on the ground, really giving back to the people that we serve,” said Bremer.

Bremer said she contacted Barb Hollenbeck, owner of S.C. Toys, and Hastings Police Department Community Engagement Officer Whitney Rinowski, who were both eager to help.

“It’s been wonderful to be able to really make a difference and an impact,” said Bremer. “This is such a great store. I just love being able to give the dollars back to the local establishments that really help build this community.”

Having the HPD partnership “helps bring those brides together,” said Bremer. “The kids get to be in a place where they’re having fun, and they get to have a little one-on-one time with the police department, and it brings them joy at the Christmas season.”

Rinowski said it’s a great event for the police department to be involved in.

“It’s a way of giving back to the community. It’s super important, especially for law enforcement, to be involved I the community, and that’s how we initially paired up with this event,” she said. “Law enforcement isn’t just law and order. We’re also community members, giving back to the community.”

Events like this help the community see police in a positive light.

“When people call 911, they’re in an emergency situation. Very rarely do they have contact with a police officer outside of that. This has that opportunity,” said Rinowski.

Over two hours, officers partnered with the kids to pick their new toys. There were also treats to go with a lot of smiles and great memories made.