ROCKVILLE, Md. — It’s beginning to look a little more like Christmas for some local children in need. On Saturday morning, some Montgomery County police officers played the role of jolly old Saint Nick.
The goal was to help those who otherwise wouldn’t have a merry Christmas. The officers wanted to bring the Christmas spirit and put smiles on the kids’ faces.
“I was looking for this my entire life — for a camper, for my doll,” says Kaniya Miller, a fourth-grader at Maryvale Elementary School in Rockville. She was one of 20 kids selected from the school to shop with a cop at the Target in Rockville.
Once again, Target has teamed with Montgomery County police for the shopping event. This is the first year it was held at the Rockville store, says Target manager Lisa Jensen.
Target donated $100 gift cards to each child. The company, with its “Heroes & Helpers program, donates more than $200,000 to 200 communities across the country.
“I’m so excited because it’s almost Christmas and I can get whatever I want,” said Taylor Orellana, who spent most of her money on presents for her mom and family.
She got herself a little something, though: “I did get Easy Bake Oven cause I love cooking.”
The kids weren’t the only ones smiling. Saturday’s experience gave children an opportunity to see the police in a new light.
“It’s exciting to see how happy the kids are,” said Officer Michael Prather.
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