WASHINGTON — Police and their companions were all armed at a D.C. event Wednesday: The officers were in uniform and the children with them had $100 gift cards, courtesy of Walmart.
The Shop-with-a-Cop event included 100 D.C. police officers helping 100 D.C. children on a holiday shopping spree.
“We see a lot of young people who want to buy things, not only for themselves but for a relative who is less fortunate,” said Patrick Burke, director of the D.C. Police Foundation. “Police officers typically use their own money to buy additional things for the children.”
It was heartening to see the kids place the needs of others next to their own, Burke added.
The police foundation is organizing a similar event called Heroes and Helpers, to be sponsored by Target, later this month.
She’s reaching for a doll, but 6-year-old Anyair, pictured with Sgt. Melicia Woodland, said she really likes dresses. She bought two.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Emmanuel, 11, chooses the fastest remote-control car he could find with D.C. Recruit Officer Jordan Murch on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Indie, 11, and her cousin Kyah, 10, shop with D.C. Police Commander Chanel Dickerson on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Haiden, 6, is a happy customer shopping with D.C. Police Officer Michael Fisher.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Christmas comes early for 6-year-old Haiden trying out his new bike.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
D.C. Police Officer Samuel Gaines helps Makayah reach for a toy.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham goofs around while taking a picture with Santa at Faith Moravian Church before shopping began at the Walmart across the street on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.
(Courtesy Tony Brown)
Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.
