It was a special day at Quinte Mall Wednesday where some local police officers and youngsters came together for the 5th annual Cop Shop.
Ten Belleville Police officers are paired with a child and together they shop for gifts for the child’s family and perhaps some special things on their Christmas lists.
Belleville Police Chief Mike Callaghan says they really try to make it a meaningful day that the kids won’t forget.
“These children may not have had a positive interaction as a result of something that may have happened to a family member or a loved one. And, this is our opportunity to bridge that gap. And, I know that the officers, they are just so excited about the opportunity to interact with our community this way.”
Quinte Mall Marketing Manager Erin Graham says each child is given a $250 gift card for the mall along with some other special gifts.
“They really focus on getting the most out of that $250. And they will be dropping of gifts throughout the day whether it’s slippers for their grandma or something for their mom. They always want to buy sort of a stuffy or something for all their other siblings. Every single year, it just warms my heart to watch how much of it they spend on the rest of their family.”
Callaghan says officers often stay in touch with the kids – he still interacts with children he shopped with in 2014.
