Wyandotte Police Officer Tyler Groat enjoys helping a young recipient during the department’s annual Shop with a Cop event, held Dec. 5 at the Southgate Meijer.
Santa and Mrs. Claus join a child participating in the Wyandotte Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 5 at the Southgate Meijer.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – The Police Department’s seventh annual Shop with a Cop event, held Dec. 5 at the Southgate Meijer, delivered smiles and seasonal joy to the participating children, officers and spouses.
Deputy Police Chief Archie Hamilton said that past events have had a positive impact on more than 300 children.
He said generous sponsors provide monetary donations, and Southgate Meijer Store Director Raquel Jackson and Human Resources Representative Sarah Shay made the event logistically possible.
“This year we had nearly 50 children attend the event,” Hamilton said. “Each child received $300 to $500 each.”
He said they fed the attendees, and 25 police officers and spouses participated in Shop with a Cop this year, along with a dozen additional volunteers.
“Each officer who attended did so on their own time, and some had to extend their 12- hour shift to a 15- or 16-hour day,” Hamilton said. “It’s this dedication and empathetic quality that makes this department so special.”
In addition to appreciating Meijer’s support, Hamilton thanked the other sponsors: Bob Wery, owner of My Place Bar and Grill; Bob and Joe Groat of Groat Brothers Towing; Kelly O’Brien of Expert Mechanical; Glow Fish Studios; Debra and Alain Cusson; Wyandotte Industries; John Oliverio, owner of Oliverio Auto Care; Janet’s Closet; Discount Drinks; Libra Marine; Al Stamintz; Ziad Nakad, owner of Silver Shores Waterfront and The Bentley; and Downriver Music Bingo.
Wyandotte police officers, spouses, Santa and Mrs. Claus gather during the department’s seventh annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 5 at the Southgate Meijer.