City of Gastonia Police officers stepped out of their patrol cruisers and got behind a shopping cart for a special day with local kids.
The police department held its second annual Shop with a Cop event Saturday morning at Target on East Franklin Boulevard. Uniformed officers accompanied 40 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston to help them pick out $250 worth each of clothing, school supplies and a few toys.
To me, it’s about giving back and really building some bridges, mending some bridges and just the opportunity to let them get to know us outside of just being a police officer, let them know that we’re human,” said Sgt. Shaunte Southern. “So they see a different side of us as police officers and not just what they see on TV or what they hear on the news, particularly with everything that’s going on right now.”
The program was established to build positive relationships between police officers and the children of the community.
Southern helped 9-year-old Jania Floyd pick out shirts, shoes and pants. They also went searching for a new doll for Jania to take home for Christmas.
Over in the electronics section, patrol officer Nathan McRee perused the store’s selection of video games with 8-year-old Evan Boyce. Boyce considered purchasing a new game for PlayStation 4. But he also had his eye on gifts for his family.
“I really want to give my family something they really like, like clothes,” he said.
About $13,000 was raised for this year’s program, which included 10 more kids than the previous year. Gastonia Police hopes to continue and expand the program next year.
The money was raised through a grant from the Gastonia Police Foundation, the sales of paper Christmas tree ornaments and private donations from employees of the Gastonia Police Department and members of the community.
Other partners include the Gastonia Police Department, the Gastonia Police Sergeants Association, Target and Kohls. Firestone Grill donated breakfast that kids and their families enjoyed with police officers at the Gastonia Police Station prior to embarking on the shopping trip, where kids also received a visit from Santa Claus.
Southern, who participated in the program last year, says shopping with the kids is starting to become a tradition for his family. His wife also came out to assist Saturday.
“We love it,” he said. “It’s probably the best part of our weekend right here, being out here shopping with them today.”