(Courtesy photo/SBCISD)
NEWS Staff Report
The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District [SBCISD] ACE After School Program [ASP] held its inaugural Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 17 with major success.
This event was made possible by the ASP team, headed by Nancy Casas. According to the Program’s official Facebook page, the team raised nearly $17,000 in funds and served 153 students. These students embarked on a shopping spree while accompanied by an officer from one of the local agencies. Pictures on the San Benito CISD Facebook page showed the children choosing toy cars, stuffed animals, bikes and more at the local Walmart Superstore.
Additionally, the San Benito Chick-fil-A provided the students with breakfast. Alongside the SBPD and San Benito CISD officials, San Benito High School percussion students and cheerleaders accompanied the children while they shopped.
The ASP thanked agencies such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Harlingen Border Patrol, Valley International Police Department, the FBI and more for supporting the event. Program officials thanked Enrique Contreras for their donation to the event.
“With your help, we’re not just providing gifts—we’re creating opportunities for connection, kindness and holiday magic that our students will treasure forever. Your dedication to supporting our community truly embodies the spirit of giving,” stated the ASP in a Facebook post.
On The San Benito Police Department’s (SBPD) Facebook page, Ricardo Perez wrote, “It was great to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. I enjoyed being present with everyone that was there. Hope that next year can be just as great if not greater! Thank you all for setting it up, and thank you for all the hard work!”
The SBPD added, “This is what it’s all about, folks. We were so delighted to participate in a first event of its kind here in San Benito. Shop With a Cop was a huge success at Walmart.
A huge shoutout goes out to Ms. Casas and the San Benito CISD ACE staff for coordinating this awesome event.”
According to its official website, the ASP is a program providing “an extension of the school day.” It works to surround students with opportunities for academic and lifelong success after the school day ends.
For more information, visit their website or call (956) 361-6450. The San Benito CISD strives to provide a “premier education for all students, through a positive and safe learning environment,” according to their official website. For more information, visit sbcisd.net or call them at (956) 361-6100.