T he Gilbert Police Department partnered with the Higley Unified School District to help students in need with the first annual “Shop with a Police Officer” event one month into the school year.

Officers accompanied 24 HUSD students who strolled into Target just before 9 a.m. Aug. 16, ready to shop for back-to-school needs.

Students combed the aisles at criminal speeds, hardly containing their excitement.

Thanks to a $6,000 donation from Salt River Project and money collected by the Gilbert Police Department – and hosting from Target – each student had about $200 to spend on whatever they needed for the back-to-school season.

Students were selected to participate based on need, evaluated by administrators.

Nine-year-old Frankie Padilla was fired up to meet the force and paired wi

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