On Monday and Tuesday (12/9-10), members of the Columbia Charter Township Police Department took kids on a shopping spree at Walmart. Officers helped kids, who could use a boost, buy presents for family members. For the next two minutes, enjoy the video as you see Shop with a Cop in action.
On Monday,the kids and cops traveled into Jackson in style – in John and Susan Lefere’s motorhome. This photo is from day one – Columbia Lower Elementary students.
Each kid received a medal commemorating the experience.
Columbia Upper Elementary made their visit on the second day.
At Walmart, police helped kids shop and check out. Donations from Clark Lake, Columbia Township residents and business like Walmart make Shop with a Cop a reality.
Once the shopping mission was completed, the group went to the Brooklyn Sportsman Club for lunch and to wrap presents.
In addition to wrapping presents for family members, each kid received a gift of his or her own.
The fundraiser in support of Shop with a Cop commenced at the Eagle’s Nest Bar & Grill at Clark Lake, hosted by owner Blair Huff. LtoR: Chief Jay Niles, John Karkheck, Blair Huff, John Lefere.
These people came to the Eagle’s Nest to put smiles on the faces of the kids.
Donations from individuals and businesses totaled $17,000. Shop with a Cop thanks these generous supporters:
INDIVIDUALS
PLATINUM
Dan Malone
Taylor Auer
Jeff Kirpatick
Tucker Boyer
GOLD
John Karkheck
Lori Lazebnik
Jim & Linda Neely
SILVER
James Vetter
John Neely
Frank Powleson
Dave Dunigan
Joe Collins
Ron June
Jackie Daly
Patricia Robinson
Walt Reed
Sandra Riddle
David Elwell
Stacy Hicks
BUSINESSES
PLATINUM
Irish Hills Collision
Walmart
GOLD
Mid-American
Brooklyn Plumbing & Heating
Beach Bar
Garvers Towing
Wilcox Lawn and Landscaping
Frey Floor Covering
Boaters Choice
SILVER
Judicial Services Group
Southern Mich. Bank & Trust
Eagles Nest
Morris Smith Agency
Bamm Construction
The Exponent
Chief Niles received an award too, courtesy of John Lefere.
Donations from individuals and businesses totaled $17,000. Shop with a Cop thanks the generous supporters
INDIVIDUALS
PLATINUM
Dan Malone
Taylor Auer
Jeff Kirpatick
Tucker Boyer
GOLD
John Karkheck
Lori Lazebnik
Jim & Linda Neely
SILVER
James Vetter
John Neely
Frank Powleson
Dave Dunigan
Joe Collins
Ron June
Jackie Daly
Patricia Robinson
Walt Reed
Sandra Riddle
David Elwell
Stacy Hicks
BUSINESSES
PLATINUM
Irish Hills Collision
Walmart
GOLD
Mid-American
Brooklyn Plumbing & Heating
Beach Bar
Garvers Towing
Wilcox Lawn and Landscaping
Frey Floor Covering
Boaters Choice
SILVER
Judicial Services Group
Southern Mich. Bank & Trust
Eagles Nest
Morris Smith Agency
Bamm Construction
The Exponent
Shop With A Cop
Five years ago John Karkheck asked us if we would take 15 children and a few cops and firemen from the school to Walmart in Jackson then to the Brooklyn Sportsmans Club then back to school. Not a big deal, a few hours. We did not expect that trip to be a life changing event. Being Catholic I was involved in many fund raiser events. but that day was special.
The kids had a very special day in their young lives, The cops and firemen were soo attentive. And we meet some new HEROS lead by Chief Jay Niles, Blair Huff, JK, Rick Belcher and especially all those sponsors and contributors listed in this article. Now these years later donations now provide 30 kids a great Christmas. Congratulations to all you HEROS.
Thank you to all who f the people who come together and make this event possible. Our community is wonderful!!