There was a parade of police cars, many of them with sirens blaring, coming down Route 450 in Landover Hills, Maryland, and making a turn toward Walmart. Leading the way on a police motorcycle was the big guy, Santa, himself.
Ten years ago, it was about 10 kids big, but this year, Prince George’s County police teamed up with police in Riverdale Park and elsewhere to bring 50 kids out to “Shop with a Cop.”
The event was started by Maj. James Keleti, who operates out of the Division 1 station in Hyattsville.
“We have 50 kids from 17 schools,” said Keleti. “We get the name from school administrators and teachers. It started 10 years ago and somebody just thought it was a great idea.”
The morning goes quick, but the planning doesn’t. Keleti said community policing officers started putting the event together about six months ago, working to find sponsors and donations. Walmart helps provide the gift cards, and a nearby Three Brothers Pizza hosts the kids for lunch after they’re done shopping.
“Most of the kids will buy items for their siblings, their brothers, their sisters, their parents, their grandparents,” said Keleti. “Many of them won’t even buy a gift for themselves.
“It says they love their family, but most importantly, this is what the season is all about,” he added.
One of the shoppers who was heading to the toy aisle was 11-year-old Ara.
“I’m getting markers, a Barbie for my little sister,” she said. “I’m going to get a lipstick for my mom.”
How good has her sister been this year?
“Mmm, not good,” she said. “Oh well, I still want to get her something. She’s my sister,” she added with a laugh and a smile.
Also running through the toy aisle was 7-year-old Caleb, who was there to buy for his sister, brother and mother.
How good have they been?
“Good, like, good-good,” he said, before changing it to “sorta, kinda good.”
His cart had a Pop and Go, a toy that talks, and he had plans to buy his mom a board game. An aisle away, Amilcar had a toy boat, a Squishmallow, which was in high demand, and a Monopoly game.
Prince George’s County police Chief Malik Aziz was also there roaming the aisles, as was Santa and the Grinch.
“Nothing better than a young child, smiling, picking out something that they want or they’ve been desiring,” said Aziz. “They will make a memory that will last the rest of their life.”
And since Santa was nearby, the chief revealed what was on his Christmas list.
“I just want some good peace and happiness and a better and safer Prince George’s County,” said Aziz. “I hope Santa delivers.”
