Kmart's "Shop with a Cop" awards 30 underprivileged children toys for Christmas
December 18, 2012
Every year, Kmart and the Kiwanis clubs of South Maui and Kahului host a program they call, "Shop with a Cop". Thirty less fortunate children are chosen for a shopping spree from families at the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku.
More than two dozen Maui police officers volunteer to escort the 30 children to Kmart allowing them to fill their baskets with up to $100 worth of toys.
Officer Gregg Rowe volunteered for the 4th year in a row, escorting a young girl named Jacelynn down the toy isles.
"She was shy at first," Rowe said. "But after a while, she was talking a lot."
The officers enjoy the opportunity to demonstrate to the kids that their job is only to protect them--not scare them. Officer Edith Quintero, who does community outreach at local schools, claims children often report being afraid of police officers.
"I tell them: 'Police are your friends. Our number one job is to protect and keep you safe,' " said Quintero. "We're able to break that mentality."
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Couple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It
My Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever
We Can’t Stop Looking At These Adorable Baby Loon Photos Taken On A Lake
This Couple Built A Grass Patch For Their Cat, And She’s Obsessed With It
This All-Black ‘Goth House’ In Indiana Is Going Viral. Wait Until You See The Inside
Meet Igor: The Fluffy Poltergeist Dog With The Most Unhinged Adoption Bio Ever
Baby Elephant’s Trunk Steals The Show In Adorable Treat Time Video
What Happens When A Man With A Hose Meets A Group of Kids? Pure Magic
Chicken Or Pigeon? The Internet Can’t Believe This Bird Is Real
Mom Surprises 4-Year-Old Son With First Apartment After 14 Months In Homeless Shelter
Bear Vs. Sprinkler: Hilarious Garden Moment Caught On Camera