|
|  |
 Printer Friendly
 Text Version  Email Page
| Shop with a cop promotes positive officer and youth relationships |
The Standish Maximum Correctional Facility (SMF), Arenac County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police have initiated a new holiday program called Shop with a Cop.
|
SMF Shop with a Cop volunteers
RUO Dave Armstrong, C/O Al Schott, RUO Steve Bellows, C/O Carol Gordan, C/O Shannon Reilly, C/O Paul Hackworth, RUO Bob Griffus, RUO Theresa Childs, RUO Jenny Miller, RUO Della Czarnik, C/O Bob Niernberg, C/O Karen Kedron, C/O Shirley McCourt, C/O Debra Dauer, C/O John Mahoney, Sgt. Debra Wallington, Sgt. Tom Bonneau, C/O Jeanne Partlo, C/O Beth Brown, C/O John Freeman, C/O Lori Hoopes, C/O Clyde Linker, Sgt. Steve Bond, Sgt. Dennis Wirley, Transportation Officer John Yelinek, Inspector Fred Lockwood, Sgt. Andrea McNamara
|
In conjunction with Pamida, Inc., these three agencies teamed up to host a shopping program for children from disadvantaged circumstances. More than forty children from Arenac County were selected to receive $100 each, to spend on their family or themselves while shopping with a police or corrections officer.
SMF employees raised more than $4,000 for the new program which paired 26 Corrections Officers, nine Arenac County Deputies, five State Police Troopers and Arenac County’s FOA Probation/Parole Agent Rick Mularz with 45 local underprivileged kids ages 6 to 12.
After pairing up at the local Knights of Columbus Hall, the kids rode to the store in patrol cars and county Sheriff’s vans, complete with lights and sirens blaring in the parking lot before they left. Parents stayed at the hall and had refreshments which included cookies donated by the Saginaw Correctional Facility’s food tech program.
“The kids were very thorough in their shopping, making sure they budgeted their money to get presents for all their family members and themselves,” said Cary S. Walker, SMF Administrative Assistant. “Some had lists and others just grabbed stuff.”
The children returned to the hall where their gifts were wrapped at the “Wrapping Station” by non-custody staff and volunteers (including two juveniles who were performing community service). Wrapping supplies were donated by SMF staff. Each child then had their picture taken with Santa and “their” officer.
The children were encouraged to select a gift for themselves and many chose warm winter clothing. “Two six-year-old boys bought winter boots and were so excited that they didn’t want to wrap them. They wore them out showing everybody on the way,” said Walker.
 |
|
RUO Della Czarnik
|
The most touching story of the evening concerned a little girl who bought an extra present. She had it wrapped and then told her officer that she wanted to donate it to a needy child. She gave it to Santa who will send it to Toys for Tots.
Shop with a Cop was established to build positive relationships among officers and children. As a result, both groups came away with a new outlook.
As SMF RUO Dave Armstrong was getting ready to check out from the Pamida store, he told the seven-year-old boy he was shopping with, “Let’s check out and go get some cookies and punch.” The little boy with a serious look on his face replied, “I thought you guys only ate donuts.” RUO Armstrong then pointed to the Troopers and said, “No, that’s them.”
“This program was a success due to a number of people at SMF,” said Deputy Warden Barb Meagher who presented the idea. “It turned out great and we are very proud. Our relationship with the other law enforcement agencies has greatly improved and everyone involved is looking forward to next year’s Shop with a Cop.”
Michigan Department of Corrections, Dec. 23, 2002
|
|
|
|
