This past Saturday, Officers Lafin, McCollum, and Ciszewski volunteered their time to accompany three kids from less-fortunate families around Elmhurst to the annual “Shop with a Cop” event, sponsored by DuPage County Sheriff’s office.  This year, over 70 officers and deputies from communities around DuPage County as well as from the Sheriff’s office met at the Wheaton Bowl where kids had a chance to visit with Santa as well as they had some sweets and drinks while the officers lined up their squads for a trip to the next stop.  Once all was ready, the caravan of many squads, all with their lights and sirens on, drove from Wheaton Bowl to the Walmart in Bloomingdale.  Along the way, many motorist who were stopped to allow the caravan to pass could be seen smiling and waving at the officers and the kids who were sitting in the front seats of the squads, hitting the sirens.  Once at the store, all kids had a free roam of the store to pick gifts for themselves and their families, all paid for by the sponsoring Police departments.  ”Elmhurst kids”, Benny, Chris, and Elizabeth also ran thru the store, all picking out gifts for their families as well as items for themselves.  When shopping was done, volunteers from the Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy Alumni Assoc. were on hand to gift-wrap all of the items.  The day ended when all three kids were dropped off at their homes by the officers where happy faces and smiles continued.  Benny said once he found out he was going to be shopping with us on Monday before the event, he could not wait until the week ends and on Friday as soon as the last bell in school rang, Benny got home and impatiently waited until Saturday morning.  Thanks to this great event, three kids in Elmhurst will, hopefully, have a great Christmas.  We’re looking with excitement until next year and another “Shop With a Cop” day where three more kids can have this experience.

Here’s a link to an article in recent issue of Elmhurst Press, http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/elmhurst/newsnow/x1439498366/Cops-bring-Christmas-to-kids