Calexico PD seeks donations for 23rd annual ‘Kids N’ Badges’ holiday event

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) - The Calexico Police Department (CPD) is gearing up to bring holiday joy to local youth with its 23rd annual "Kids N' Badges" community event this December.

The heartwarming tradition pairs selected children with local police officers and firefighters for an unforgettable holiday shopping adventure.

This year, the department hopes to sponsor 30 children, giving each child $150 to spend on toys and clothing at Walmart.

The special day kicks off with a celebratory breakfast, a tour of the police and fire stations, and a grand helicopter arrival by Santa Claus.

"I've seen the children's faces, how excited and happy they are to interact with the police officer and firefighter," said Yamilet Venegas, a detective with the CPD. "To be able to shop with them and show them the toys that they receive or the clothes that they’re getting...it's a very unique experience."

Over the past two years, community generosity has allowed the event to bring joy to more than 50 local children.

To continue this cherished tradition and make the 2026 event the most impactful one yet, organizers are calling on local families and businesses for support.

Donations are kindly requested by November 2, 2026. Multiple secure payment options are available to contributors:

• Cash: Can be turned in directly at the Calexico Police Department to Officer Yamilet Venegas or Executive Assistant Martha Gutierrez.
• Check: Must be made payable to the Calexico Educational Foundation.
• Venmo: Donors can quickly contribute by scanning the official event QR code via the Venmo app.

For questions or to request additional information regarding sponsorships, community members can reach out to the event coordinators directly:

• Martha Gutierrez (Executive Assistant): Call (760) 768-2140 ext. 204 or email gutierrezm@calexico.ca.gov.
• Yamilet Venegas (Police Officer): Call (657) 307-3132 or email venegas@calexico.ca.gov.
• In-Person Drop-off: Calexico Police Department, 420 E. 5th Street, Calexico, California.