Fillmore County officers go school shopping
Written by Jeffrey DeMars, divisional media relations director for The Salvation Army Northern Division
Fillmore County hosted its annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ event Saturday, August 27. Ten children were selected to receive clothes and school supplies before that first big day back to school.
Each child was paired with a law enforcement officer from Fillmore County and for some of the kids it can be a bit overwhelming. The young shoppers can be hesitant at first, but it never seems to last very long. Within minutes everybody’s smiles and silly faces help to ease any initial apprehension the children may have of the officers (pictured right).
“It’s always a joy to watch these kids interact with the officers,” smiled Jan Karasch, Salvation Army Service Extension field representative. “It’s especially entertaining watching an officer help a child pick out something while asking about clothing sizes or what kind of shampoo the children might like.”
At one point while shopping in the store, two boys spotted bright, pink sheets and blankets.
“That is the prettiest, brightest pink I ever saw,” said one of the boys. “Me too,” said the other boy.
The Sheriff and another officer told the boys to pick out a set of sheets so they could get a good night’s rest for school.
“My brother says real men wear pink,” said one of the boys who chose the pink sheets.
For another child, however, shopping wasn’t nearly as easy. She didn’t want to get anything and was told by her father to be frugal and only get what she, “really needed.” It took some convincing but she finally picked out a few things and enjoyed herself.
After the event, the adults were sure to tell her dad that she listened to his advice, but this day was meant to be special for her.
This is an event that never disappoints and is a favorite of the officers and the kids– everybody left beaming ear to ear and officers are already anxious to do it again next year.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community today.