PASADENA, Calif. — Marking a major decade-long milestone in community-oriented policing and civic partnership, twenty middle school students from the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club paired up with local police officers on Thursday afternoon at the Target store in East Pasadena for the 10th annual "Shop with a Cop" program.
The collaborative event provided each selected student with a $150 gift card—fully funded by the Rotary Club of Pasadena—to select essential back-to-school supplies, clothing, footwear, and personal necessities. Beyond fulfilling seasonal academic preparations, the gathering gave local youth an informal, supportive space to interact directly with law enforcement officers, strengthening mutual trust and building positive relationships that extend far beyond a single afternoon of shopping.
Supporting Student Leaders and Families Impacted by Local Emergencies
Selection for the annual shopping event was managed through the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, which identified young participants based on their demonstrated leadership qualities, active club involvement, and financial need. This year's cohort also included a designated group of students whose families experienced severe disruptions due to the Eaton fire.
Community leaders highlighted that providing direct financial assistance to students facing emergency hardship ensures that vulnerable young residents begin the academic year fully equipped alongside their peers.
"They were selected for the kids that are showing good participation, good leadership," explained Mario Materena, director of community development and partnerships for the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club. "And also most important, some of them, they were affected by the Eaton fire. So we have five or six kids that unfortunately were affected, so they were picked."
Materena also noted how the initiative's financial impact has expanded over time to meet rising costs for local families. The shopping stipends originally began as $100 contributions before organizers increased the funding level. "Now it’s $150," Materena added, emphasizing that the larger amount allows students greater flexibility when picking out essential items.
Building Bridges and Community Partnerships Across Pasadena
The "Shop with a Cop" initiative was originally conceived more than ten years ago by former Rotary Club President Kathy Meagher as a intentional framework to break down societal barriers between police officers and local youth. By stepping away from formal duty settings and engaging in casual everyday activities, officers and students share meaningful conversations, swap stories, and build lasting personal rapport.
Rotary leaders emphasized that while providing financial sponsorship is vital, the primary value of the program lies in creating positive human connections.
"We are not shopping, we are giving them money, but we’re allowing these students to connect with police officers to hopefully build bridges and build understanding from both sides," stated Tammy Silver, president of the Rotary Club of Pasadena. "So we’ve done it for over a decade."
Silver noted that the middle school participants are largely local residents raised within Pasadena neighborhoods, making the positive interactions particularly impactful for long-term community cohesion.
Corporate host Target has also served as an anchor partner throughout the program's ten-year history. During Thursday's gathering, store staff assisted students across various retail departments—ranging from denim and sneakers to backpacks and stationary—and presented each child with an additional gift bag at checkout.
"We love to put on these events for the community, the children in the community," said Jose Sanchez, store director at the East Pasadena Target location. "We love having them here and having them get some gift cards to shop for different things in the store and really see what the store’s about, but also we get to spend time with them and get to know them."
Sustained Civic Service and Broader Community Impact
The annual shopping spree represents just one component of the Rotary Club of Pasadena's broader humanitarian footprint in the San Gabriel Valley. Club members consistently engage in hands-on civic projects throughout the year designed to improve public safety, support vulnerable demographics, and enhance local infrastructure.
According to Rotary President Tammy Silver, recent club efforts have included brush and weed clearance on vacant lots in nearby Altadena to mitigate seasonal wildfire hazards, volunteer meal preparation at Union Station Homeless Services, and home repair initiatives tailored for local women in need.
What's Next
The Pasadena Boys and Girls Club and the Pasadena Police Department plan to continue their collaborative youth outreach initiatives throughout the school year. Community members interested in supporting future "Shop with a Cop" events, youth mentorship initiatives, or local Rotary charity projects can visit the official portals for the Rotary Club of Pasadena and the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club to learn about volunteer opportunities and donation drives.