Fifty Orlando elementary school kids got to team up with cops from the Orlando Police Department (OPD) and go on a shopping spree Thursday morning. Now into its eight year, the “Shop with a Cop Program,” is hosted by OPD and funded by the Walmart Foundation.
And the kids surely made the most of it as they excitedly picked out Barbie dolls, Bayblade battle sets, Nerf rapid fire darts, basket balls and more, for three hours at the Walmart Supercenter on south Kirkman Road.
Sgt. Rhona Childers, supervisor of the Super Kids Unit at OPD said, kids were drawn from twenty-six schools and selected on the basis of need, academic performance and behaviour.
“The selection of kids is done by each elementary school – the guidance councellor and principal,” she said. “And we are grateful to the Walmart Foundation that continues to fund this program which rewards these kids and gives them a helping hand during the holiday season.”
Asked whether they were having fun during their shopping expedition with cops, the kids, almost in unison replied they were “excited” to be able to go shopping and pick out toys which they wanted. A couple kids too, selected items for siblings and moms.
One key aspect of the “Shop with a Cop Program” Childers said, is the rapport built up between the police and children when they are together.
“This is a positive community outreach program, as it allows children to see police officers in a positive light,” she said. “They are able to connect in a positive way with police officers and that’s a wonderful thing.” After all that’s, in part, what police work is all about – helping the kids, Childers added.
Asked whether there are plans to expand the program going forward, in view of the continuing tough economic times and increasing need of children and families in Orlando and Orange County, Childers said, she could not say.
Participating elementary schools included, Azalea Park, Eagles Nest, Catalina, Metrowest, Ivy Lane and Dover Shores Elementary School, among others.
