[Vision2020] Christmas Cops: Kids, officers pair up, shop for families

[Tom Hansen]

Thank you, Lewiston.

Courtesy of today's (December 17, 2014) Lewiston Tribune.

--------------------------------------

Christmas Cops: Kids, officers pair up, shop for families
Valley program helps almost 50 area children find gifts for family
Finding the perfect jewelry for his mom and grandmother made Alekai Plouffe an especially happy shopper Tuesday morning.
"It even says 'G' for grandma," said the excited kindergartner from Heights Elementary School in Clarkston. "She is going to like this. The blanket is for my auntie who likes dogs, and the Nerf gun is for me. I think everybody will like their presents."
Alekai, the son of Nikki Plouffe of Clarkston, and his helper, Undersheriff Drew Hyer of the Garfield County Sheriff's Office, filled a cart with several carefully selected gifts during the annual "Christmas Cops" event at the Clarkston Walmart.
Police officers from throughout the region helped close to 50 kids find presents for family members and wrap them with festive paper. Walmart donates a $50 gift card to each child for the shopping excursion, and McDonald's provides a breakfast. School counselors in Clarkston and Lewiston choose children whose families could use a little help during the holidays, said School Resource Officer John Morbeck of the Clarkston Police Department.
"Christmas Cops" is a highlight for children and the men and women wearing badges, Morbeck said as he checked his list of names near the door. The kids ranging in age from kindergarten to middle school were paired with officers from Asotin, Clarkston, Lewiston, the Idaho State Police, Asotin, Garfield and Nez Perce counties, and the Nez Perce Tribal Police.
"It's a great way to interact with kids in a positive way," Morbeck said. "They see that officers are here to help them."
The children are allowed to pick out something for themselves, but the focus is on buying for their family. Many of the officers pitch in a few bucks if a kid goes over the $50 limit, Morbeck said.
Logan Murrin, the 11-year-old son of Jaimee and Rocco Murrin, said he was having fun shopping for six people. Dustin Pulley, the K-9 handler for Nez Perce Tribal Police, assisted the Parkway Elementary student in the toy aisle.
"I think it's an awesome program," Pulley said.
Rachel Rasband, a 35-year-old Clarkston mother, chatted with other Grantham Elementary parents as they waited for their youngsters at the front of the store.
"It really helps," Rasband said of the program. "The kids always want to shop for their siblings and give to others. They enjoy this."
Asotin School Resource Officer Monte Renzelman helped start the Christmas Cops program in 2002 when he worked for the Lewiston Police Department. At that time, the kids and law enforcement officers shopped at the Walmart in Lewiston.
Tori Clark, a 10-year-old McSorley Elementary student, brought a list with eight people on it.
"It's easier when you know what you're looking for," said the savvy shopper, daughter of Daniel Clark.
Tori and Detective Jackie Nichols of the Asotin County Sheriff's Office combed the aisles together, giving a lot of thought to each gift. Necklaces, a sweatshirt, work gloves and a stocking cap went in the cart, along with handkerchiefs and a toy.
When they were done, Nichols offered to buy the girl a present, and Clark chose a small tube of Chapstick and hand sanitizer that smells like bubble gum for herself.
The best part of the morning was being able to buy gifts for her family, she said.
"It's cool and exciting," Tori said. "I would rather give a present than get a present."
--------------------
Ten-year-old Tori Clark of Lewiston and Asotin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jackie Nichols talk about the many options of spending money donated by Walmart for selected children to buy Christmas presents for their families.

http://www.tomandrodna.com/Xmas/Cops_Kids_Xmas_121714_01.jpg
--------------------
Garfield County Undersheriff Drew Hyer and Alekai Plouffe, 5, of Clarkston, fist bump to celebrate success during their Christmas shopping trip Tuesday through Walmart at Clarkston. The pair were among many in which police officers selected gifts with children as part of the Christmas Cops program.

http://www.tomandrodna.com/Xmas/Cops_Kids_Xmas_121714_02.jpg

--------------------------------------

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.fsr.com/pipermail/vision2020/attachments/20141217/d680b69f/attachment.html>