Children from throughout the Edmonds School District affected by domestic violence and family tragedy will again be the focus of “Shop With a Cop,” a local effort to bring some joy and gifts into their lives this holiday season.

Put on by Cheeseburger Babies Foundation, the charitable arm of Red Onion Burger owners’ Seaun and LaRae Richards, “Shop With a Cop” brings together first responders from the Mountlake Terrace, Brier and Edmonds police departments, the Washington State Patrol, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department, Snohomish County Fire District 1 and the military with children and young teens in need, and their families.

“The kids are offered refreshments and a visit and picture with Santa, then given a $50 gift card to go shopping,” Seaun Richards explained. “The kids pick their personal shopper and off they go down the aisles.”

The program has reached more than 100 kids each year, arranged with the help of the Edmonds School District and the domestic coordinator of the Mountlake Terrace Police Department.

Thousands of dollars are raised each year to meet the expenses of the “Shop With a Cop” program. “This year our fundraising efforts included a car show, a Drive-a-Lincoln event, basket raffles, $50 badge sales, and locking me up in front of the restaurant this Sunday,” Richards said. The Red Onion Burgers owner is hoping to bring in $1,000 on Sunday, Nov. 17 when he and fellow Mountlake Terrace resident Richard Hollingshead will be “jailed” beginning at 11 a.m. at the restaurant, 21005-44th Ave. W., and seeking donations to raise bail for their release.

Donations to “Shop With a Cop” can be made at Red Onion Burgers or by calling 425-218-5996.

— By Doug Petrowski