Shop with a Cop Day
December 16, 2025
by Shelley Cooper, Chief Community Relations Officer
Primo Center works to mitigate the impact of trauma, poverty and homelessness on families. Our evidence-based Parents As Teachers, Kids Connected and early learning programs provide opportunities that address the overall positive physical and social emotional development of the children we serve. The programs encompass how young children explore, communicate, develop stress coping mechanisms and build core foundational strengths that prepare them for school and lifelong experiences. After-school and summer programming in partnership with Chicago Hopes focuses on academic enrichment. Field trips provide opportunities to attend sporting and cultural events and on occasion we have offered dance and movement workshops. We also ensure that birthdays, graduations and the special moments in one’s life, such as a new job, baby or moving into a new apartment are celebrated.
Primo Center strives to create an uplifting community where families are encouraged to participate in activities where they will learn, grow and play together. One such activity took place recently for Primo’s 6–12-year-olds during iF Charities, 20th annual Izzy’s Shop with a Cop Day event which took place at the Target on Clark Street in the South Loop.
Former Chicago Bears Defensive Lineman Israel Idonije came up with the idea after a young boy he met during a school visit told him he “hated” police officers. The goal is to build community and lasting relationships. A goal that Primo Center’s staff also attempts to foster.
“Then they leave the event every year, they’re hugging cops, the police officers their best friends they’re high-fiving. They’ve shopped together. They’ve laughed together. They’ve cried together. It’s a really warm event,” Idonije said. Primo Center’s Carmeletta Bradley, who serves as a case manager in the FUSE/Housed program noted that the event provided pure FUN for the children and gave them an opportunity to interact with the police officers in a positive moment.
This year, at least one officer from each of the city’s 77 neighborhoods was present.
“A lot of times we just see the uniform and not the person. This is when the officers and the children get to know each other as people and really get to experience a memory, and we just love that,” CPD Director Glenn Brooks said.
This year was Carmeletta’s first-time volunteering for duty.
“It’s awesome, being able to see the joy in the children’s faces as they shopped with their special new friends,” Carmeletta shared.
Each child received $100 to spend, the only condition: get something for themselves and something educational.
As the hour passed, shopping carts not only overflowed with toys, but also new fans of the Chicago police.
It takes a Village to build brighter futures, and we are grateful for ours, especially during the holiday season!
Please help us bring more smiles to our families by making a donation today that will allow us to fulfill a holiday wish! THANK YOU!
