40 Baltimore Children Get To Shop With A Cop
ARBUTUS, Md. (WJZ) -- With Christmas less than two weeks away everyone is getting into the holiday spirit including the Baltimore Police Department.
Tracey Leong has the story on this merry tradition.
This is the 12th annual Shop With A Cop event at Walmart, where officers are volunteering their time to spread a little Christmas joy.
Blaring through the Arbutus Walmart parking lot, it's not a typical call for these Baltimore police officers who are spending the day shopping with kids.
Forty lucky children were selected to spend their day with a Baltimore city police officer and as Baltimore Police Sgt. Jarron Jackson explains, the kids are chosen to participate based on needs.
"Family need, some are based on academic performance," Jackson said. "We wanted to reach as many youngsters as we could."
"Our youth are our future leaders and we want to continue to have relationships with our community," Baltimore Police Officer Timika Dyson said.
Especially now, when the tension is high between the police and public across the nation.
"[We want to] show them it's not always negative, we are out interacting with the youth doing positive things," Jackson added.
Breaking a barrier to connect a community.
"Just because we're wearing our uniforms, doesn't mean we don't laugh, don't play around and it also gives me the opportunity to remind me I love this city," Dyson said. "I love working in this city."
And for the kids and unforgettable experience.
"She's like the greatest thing I have ever hang out with, greatest person I ever hang out with," 7-year-old Ziyona said.
Each child was given a $100 limit and most of them chose to spend it on loved ones.
"I love my family and they need something for Christmas," Ziyona said. "I promised my little brother I would bring him back something."
Reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.
"Christmas means everything to me," Ziyona added.
The Optimist Club hosted the event with generous donations from the community.
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