CHUBBUCK, ID – Law enforcement officers from across Bannock County will be donning Santa hats and collecting donations at the annual “Stuff the Stocking” fundraiser, taking place Saturday, November 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Chubbuck Walmart, located at 4240 Yellowstone Ave.
The fundraiser benefits the Cops & Kids program, a local holiday initiative that pairs children in need with law enforcement officers for a heartwarming day of shopping, bonding, and community building. The Cops & Kids program is operated by the Bannock County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
Officers from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Chubbuck Police Department, and the Idaho State Police will be stationed outside Walmart, ready to collect donations in festive stockings and holiday gear.
Donations of all sizes are accepted and greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made in the following ways:
- In-person: Cash or checks accepted on-site during the event
- Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Bannock-FOP or search Bannock-FOP in the app
- PayPal: Search for “Bannock County FOP Christmas” in the PayPal app
- Mail: Checks may be sent to “FOP Christmas,” PO Box 4064, Pocatello, ID 83205
All donations support the Bannock County FOP Christmas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, for the Cops & Kids Program.
The annual Cops & Kids event fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and local youth. Children selected for the program enjoy a special day that begins with breakfast provided by McDonald’s and served by Idaho Central Credit Union, followed by photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a ride in a patrol vehicle with emergency lights flashing.
The highlight of the event is a holiday shopping trip at Walmart, where officers help each child choose gifts for their families. All shopping expenses are covered through community donations.
To register a child for the Cops & Kids program, contact the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA) at 208-232-1114. The 2025 Cops & Kids event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6.
Law enforcement from the Pocatello Police Department, Chubbuck Police Department, Idaho State Police, Idaho State University Public Safety, Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region, Bannock County Adult Probation and Parole, Bannock County Juvenile Probation and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office participate in the event. The event is sponsored in part by Chubbuck Walmart, McDonald’s, Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Inc. and Pocatello-Chubbuck School District No. 25.
