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."

feel good news story maui shopping spree for homeless
 


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoTwo Grandpas Bring Down The House With Rap Song On Karaoke Night

feel good storiesThis Doctor Dresses His Young Patients In Superhero Costumes Before Surgery

feel good stories'I Dared To Live And Now I Dare To Die': The Obituary Everyone’s Talking About

feel good storiesBorder Collie And Crow Become Best Friends In A Real-Life Disney Story

feel good storiesDowntown 'Gas Leak' Emergency Turns Out To Be The World’s Smelliest Fruit

feel good storiesThis Cat Looks Just Like A Mini Alpaca

feel good videoDad Left Speechless By Daughter’s Sweet Response In Viral Video

feel good videoThe Most Creative Dog Halloween Costumes You’ll Ever See

feel good videoA Gust Of Wind Took The Bride’s Veil, The Officiant’s Response Was Perfect

feel good videoIncredible Moment Little Boy Figures Out How To Give The 'Thumbs Up' Gesture

feel good videoDaughter Surprises Mom With The Bedroom She Never Had After Years Of Homelessness

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me