December’s annual Shop with a Cop is the latest victim of COVID-19, but the Hoquiam Police Department is already making arrangements to bring some Christmas joy to Hoquiam families in need.

Last year’s event had about 60 kids from across the county — teaming with law enforcement spanning several agencies — for a breakfast, a sirens-blaring parade through Aberdeen and a $100 shopping spree at Walmart.

Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers announced Tuesday that, while the event as it’s been known for many years will not happen, his department is working with local schools to keep the spirit alive and help out local families.

“We are working with Shop with a Cop organizers to establish a giving tree in the lobby of the Hoquiam Police Department for Hoquiam kids,” said Myers. “In the next few months, we will work with the schools to determine some families who could use a little help for Christmas and gather presents for each family.”

Once families are selected, “We will ask the kids to make some ‘wishes,’ which we will post on our giving tree starting next month,” said Myers. “If you want to help, you can either make the wish come true and donate the item, or donate cash to the Hoquiam Police Officer’s Association so we can purchase the wishes and get them delivered.”

Myers keeps the department’s Facebook page updated regularly, check there to see when the tree is up.