CONNEAUT — Police officers in Conneaut rejiggered their dress code Saturday morning for a festive and very good cause.
Members of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 51, clad in Santa hats, converged on the Big Kmart store in the Gateway Plaza to assist their annual Shop With A Cop program. These badge-toting St. Nicks helped nearly 30 needy families with a morning's worth of free shopping, thanks to the police union and its supporters.
Shop With A Cop is Local 51 biggest charity event of the year, and is aided by contributions received from individuals and businesses, said Sgt. Steve Gerics, lodge president.
The program, launched almost 20 years ago, is meant to ensure local kids have a few presents to open on Christmas Day. "It's all about the children," Gerics said.
The sour economy played Grinch this season, putting a crimp in donations, Gerics said. "Our collections are down this year, which we attribute to the economy," he said.
Still, the local was able to muster enough cash to assist 29 families, which translates into 70 children, Gerics said. That's about the same number that enjoyed a holiday boost last year, he said.
The officers obtain the names of eligible families from the Holiday Angels Loving Others program, and then send out invitations. Each child is allowed to purchase gifts for family members.
Not surprisingly, the store's toy and electronics departments were popular destinations. Dolls and remote-controlled cars appeared in many shopping carts.
Kmart helps the program by offering discounts to the lodge, Gerics said. "We appreciate all the businesses who gave a donation," he said.
This year, families from Conneaut, North Kingsville, Pierpont and Kingsville townships — and as far away as Jefferson — came to shop with a cop, Gerics said. Mother Nature cooperated, substituting sunny skies for snow storms.
Plenty of officers were on hand to help at check-out lines and to offer shopping assistance. Lots of kids paused to visit with Wladk, canine partner of Sgt. Curt Distel.
"Everyone seems to be having a good time," Gerics said. "We're glad we can help."
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Conneaut police officers assist 29 needy families
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