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."
His Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life
Teacher’s Simple Strategy Is Changing The Lives Of So-Called ‘Troublemaker’ Students
Man Marks 11th Straight Christmas As The Last Unmarried Member Of His Family
'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner
Three Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million
Teen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read
A Stray Dog Wouldn't Let Go Of A Toy, So Shoppers Bought It For Him
Daycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless
Watch The Moment This Dog Is Rescued From Dog Fighting
Nanny Gets Surprised With A New Car. Her Reaction Is Incredible
Jamaican Mom Sees Snow For The First Time — And She Is LIVING
