Donors stepped up in a big way for Shop with a Cop. As a result, kids who need the boost will have a Christmas they will long remember. Police Chief Jay Niles, accompanied by Eagle’s Nest owner Blair Huff and manager Jorge Orozco, along with John Lefere and others accepted contributions on behalf of the program. Here are some of those who stopped by to help out between noon and 3 pm Saturday at the Eagle’s Nest.
Several companies also made contributions.
Contributions also came via phone pledges. Others dropped off checks at the Columbia Township Office. The funds are being handled through the Township and organizer John Karkheck requests checks be payable to Columbia Township with Shop with a Cop on the memo line. Contributions received and pledged amounts total over $13,000.
Shop with a Cop is about police officers improving the holiday for kids who need it. Columbia Township Police go to work as Santa’s helpers, and others pitch in.
Last year, 16 kids and their families benefited. How did the day go? John Lefere and wife, Susan, arrived at Columbia Elementary School in their 40 foot, 48,000 pound Prevost motor home. The kids, ages 11, 8, and younger, boarded the motorhome. But not before the former MIS chief presented a trophy to each one of the excited kids.
Once seated, the procession moved forward, with police and fire vehicles escorting the entourage from school grounds.
At the store, they picked out the gifts. According to organizer John Karkheck, the kids chose gifts to give to other family members, rather than themselves.
Later, the group moved to the Brooklyn Sportsman Club where the wives of members wrapped the gifts and served lunch. Each kid received a sock filled with goodies. Dotty Karkheck personalized each one by name.
It’s difficult for me to express my extreme gratitude to our community for those who supported my Shop with a Cop drive yesterday! It was a dream come true for myself and many others for the last 6years. Many of us understand the innocence of little children and those who have little and their need to experience proper Christmas shopping and the hope for a good meal during the Holidays.
The Amounts given, although highly appreciated, aren’t important.
It’s more important that those realized a need and stepped up in an extreme way. I never underestimate the generosity of our community.
I would also like to thank John Lefere and the men and women from our Police and Firefighters who at the direction of Chief Jay Niles are taking their own personal time to create a magical time for those in need.
God Bless all of us during the upcoming Holidays.
We had the privilege of providing transportation for 16 young women and men( our future ) for A Shop with a Cop day. The kids were all amazing. Can’t say who had more fun “the kids – the cops – the firemen / women – the teachers – or me the bus driver – or Susan the stewardess. Now we are back and the generosity of Brooklyn Community is tremendous. Thank You for letting us play a small part in this great event. John & Susan
Good work, everyone. Thanks to organizers, worker bees and most importantly donors, for your generosity. The Brooklyn area community rocks!!
You guys are the best!! Thank you for yet another year of supporting the youth in our community.
great job to all