Abel Fonseca
Abel Fonseca is a San Benito native and a longtime San Benito CISD ACE Program Site Coordinator at Miller Jordan Middle School and Collegiate Academy. He can be reached at afonseca@sbcisd.net.
The holiday spirit is returning to San Benito as the San Benito CISD ACE Program announces the return of “Shop with a Cop” — a heartwarming event where students are paired with local law enforcement officers for a special evening of holiday shopping, community bonding, and memorable moments.
Following a successful inaugural event last year, the ACE department is reviving the event and making it even more impactful.
This is more than just a shopping trip; it’s about showing kids that their community sees and supports them. Thus, we’re excited to continue this tradition and bring smiles to even more families this year.
“This will be my first year participating in Shop with a Cop, and I’m thrilled to witness firsthand the joy and excitement this event brings to our students and families. It’s inspiring to see our community come together to support and celebrate our youth,” said Celia Banuelos, Director of the SBCISD After School Program.
How It All Began
The idea to bring “Shop with a Cop” to San Benito started with a vision to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
“We wanted to bring something special to our community and students — something that would bring joy to our kids and connect everyone for a positive cause,” said Nancy Casas, Director of CCMR. “We saw other communities hosting Shop with a Cop events, and we wanted to bring that same joy and togetherness to San Benito.”
A Look Back at Last Year
Held for the first time in 2024, Shop with a Cop quickly became one of San Benito’s most memorable events of the season. Children were partnered with uniformed officers and treated to a shopping experience filled with joy, kindness, and community spirit.
Students were able to pick out gifts — often for themselves and sometimes for loved ones — while building positive relationships with officers in a relaxed and uplifting environment.
The event was warmly received by families, staff, and officers alike, and it quickly became a highlight of the holiday season.
Community and Partnerships
This event is made possible through the generous support of many partners, including San Benito CISD, San Benito CISD Police Department, San Benito Police Department, The Sportsman, Boys & Girls Club of San Benito, Blanket Retirement Services, Mr. Bravo, and Walmart of San Benito.
“The partnership between San Benito CISD, our local police departments, and Walmart makes this event special,” Jessica Guerra, SBCISD After School Assistant Director, added. “Officers from different agencies pair up with students and shop side by side, helping build positive relationships and lasting memories. It’s a wonderful example of what happens when schools, the city, and businesses unite for a great cause”.
Local businesses and individuals also play a huge role by sponsoring students, donating funds, and volunteering their time to make each moment special.
Stories That Warm the Heart
Every child who participates leaves with more than just gifts — they leave with memories that last.
“One story that truly touched our hearts came from one of our site coordinators,” Guerra shared. “A student was overjoyed when she found out she’d been selected. She bought cupcakes for her class, a small gift for the exchange, and pencils she’d been wanting. She told us she wouldn’t have been able to join the class celebration without Shop with a Cop. That’s the kind of impact this event has.”
Another touching moment came when a student went slightly over budget while shopping for her family. The officer quietly covered the difference out of his own pocket — a simple act that perfectly captured the heart of the event.
What to Expect This Year
This year, participating students will receive a $100 Walmart shopping spree, pairing with local law enforcement officers for a joyful evening of shopping and laughter.
The San Benito High School cheerleaders and marching band will once again welcome students as they arrive, filling the store with festive music and excitement.
“The smiles, the laughter, the hugs — that’s what makes this event unforgettable,” Guerra said. “You can feel the holiday spirit in every aisle.”
A Call for Community Support
To make this event possible, the ACE Program is once again inviting the community to help make a difference.
We invite local businesses, community leaders, and individuals to help make this event extra special. With your support, we can give these students a holiday to remember.
Community partner Christi Romero of The Sportsman shared, “Our youth are our future, and it’s up to all of us to help give them the best life possible. This Christmas, we’re asking our community to come together to make the season brighter for these amazing kids.”
Join us in making a difference this holiday season. Those interested in supporting this cause can do so by contacting Abel Fonseca II at afonseca@sbcisd.net or (956) 361-6450 (ASP Department), or by calling Direct Line: (956) 361-6650 ext. 2731 (Miller Jordan Middle School).
Even small donations can have a big impact on a child’s life.
Looking Ahead
Shop with a Cop goes beyond just an event; it embodies San Benito’s core values: community, compassion, and care.
Through collaboration between the school district, law enforcement, and generous sponsors, students are reminded they are supported, seen, and celebrated.
“Our goal is to build on the success of Shop with a Cop and ensure it becomes a lasting tradition in San Benito,” Banuelos said. “We want to keep growing our partnerships and continue creating opportunities for our students and families.”
As the holidays approach, the ACE Program is proud to once again help brighten the season — strengthening the bonds between students, families, and the community one child at a time.