From the Apopka Police Department
Families are invited to a special morning with local law enforcement as the Apopka Police Department hosts another installment of Cookies and Milk with a Cop: Storytime on Saturday, September 13th, at the North Orange Branch Library.
This family-friendly event is designed to build trust and positive relationships between police officers and the youngest members of the Apopka community. Beginning in the morning, children and their families will have the opportunity to meet local officers, enjoy storytime, participate in arts and crafts, and of course—share cookies and milk, generously provided by LCL Food Services (McDonald’s).
Related: Five essential rules for your child's first phone.
More than just a lighthearted gathering, Cookies and Milk with a Cop has become a cornerstone of community policing efforts in Apopka. It provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where kids can interact with police officers outside of emergencies or enforcement situations. Officers often read aloud to the group and engage with the children through hands-on activities, helping break down barriers and encourage trust at an early age.
The program is held on select Saturdays throughout the year and is free to attend.
A Look Back: The History of Cookies and Milk with a Cop
While the Apopka Police Department has made this event its own, the concept of "Cookies and Milk with a Cop" stems from broader community policing efforts aimed at strengthening ties between law enforcement and the public.
The idea is a youth-friendly spinoff of the nationally recognized "Coffee with a Cop" program, which began in 2011 in Hawthorne, California. That program's success inspired law enforcement agencies around the country to develop kid-focused versions. By replacing coffee with cookies and milk and holding events in child-centric locations like libraries and schools, officers are able to meet young residents in a safe, relaxed setting.
These events often feature storytime, crafts, and casual conversations, allowing children to see police officers as approachable and supportive members of their community. Departments frequently partner with local organizations and businesses to provide refreshments and supplies, such as Apopka’s continued collaboration with LCL Food Services, the local McDonald's franchisee.
Through programs like Cookies and Milk with a Cop, the Apopka Police Department continues to invest in the future of the community—one story and one cookie at a time.
Event Details:
-
What: Cookies and Milk with a Cop: Storytime
-
When: Saturday, September 13th, 2025
-
Where: North Orange Branch Library, Apopka
-
Cost: Free and open to the public
-
Sponsor: LCL Food Services (McDonald’s)
For more information about future events, follow the Apopka Police Department or the Orange County Library System online.
