Target Chooses Deserving Baltimore School Kids To Shop With A Cop For Christmas
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Baltimore Police have teamed up with a national retailer to bring some holiday joy to deserving school kids in Baltimore.
As Mike Schuh reports, for some, the big present came Wednesday.
Long before Santa arrives, the Baltimore Police Department in the Western District scouts the route.
At the Target in Mondawmin, a staff was ready for "Shop with a Cop."
Officer Latonya Powell sported a Ravens elf hat. Her hat, with her badge, is on Harlem Park fourth-grader, Janelle.
"You all got picked because you are special and we love what you are doing! Keep up the great work!" Powell said.
There was a quick picture, then it was off to the races. With a budget of $100, the kids could get anything they want.
You know where they end up.
"We're off to the toy aisle!"
At 10, Janelle knows exactly what she wants: a monster doll.
"This is my favorite doll right here," she said.
Twenty-one kids with great grades but some financial needs were all picked by their principals.
"The children are chosen because they're top performers and are in need and want to do something nice for their family," Misty Davis, a Target employee, said.
Janelle decides to give some of her gifts to her family.
"I'm going to get this for me. But for my cousin, let's see what else dolls they got," she said.
The kids, you see their joy. This is Jawyan Alexandar's first bike ever. But it's just as much fun for the adults.
"Did you see my smile?" asked Sgt. Robin Blackman of the Baltimore Police Department. "It's bigger than his! It's an awesome feeling!"
In all, Target is spending $120,000 to do this in six communities.
Target donated the $100-per-kid cost. Seven Targets in our area hosted "Shop with a Cop."
