Dozens of deserving kids, some with various needs, others that have experienced a traumatic event, all selected by Glendale police to "Shop with a Cop" were at Macy’s at Arrowhead Towne Center Sunday morning.
The event is designed to ensure those in need don’t go without this holiday season.
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“Her teacher actually nominated her for her kindness,” said Catlin Ferguson, 8-year-old Serenity’s mom.
“My teacher just called me up to the nurses office and I just got it,” said 8-year-old Remee Jones.
“When I found out she was nominated it was overwhelming,” said Courtney Jones, Remee’s mom. “It’s awesome!”
Eight-year-old Jose Hollins has a drone on his wish list.
“It was really nice especially for his Christmas gifts and stuff,” said Clarice Green, Jose’s mom.
All the kids were thrilled to be a part of such a lucky bunch!
After a quick briefing inside Macy’s, the store opened to the kids and each one of them was given $250 to spend alongside officers, while visiting with characters throughout the store.
Serenity quickly found what she was looking for then headed downstairs to shop for mom, while Remee showed off her new beautiful blue dress before checking out at the register with lots in tow.
And Jose found what he was looking for – a drone! He came out under budget, so he got to go back to the toy section to stock up on more.
The experience was a blast for the kids and a rewarding experience for the officers shopping with them.
“Seeing them in a good mood, happy… just making them smile, it makes us feel good,” said Officer Alex Cozzolino of the Glendale Police Department.
Macy’s provided the gift cards, plus a winter coat.
“It’s huge,” said Holli Croskey, soon-to-be 9-year-old Cole’s mom. “Cole really, really loves police officers, so it’s been a really great experience.”
“He’s all excited and this is all over and let’s go home and play with my toys,” said Steve Raimo, Cole’s grandfather.
As each child came out of the store with the officer that took them shopping, cheers could be heard all around.
Parents and their kids are more than grateful.
“I’m very blessed and I really appreciate it,” Jose’s mom Clarice said.
“This is amazing for us,” said Haley Boynton, whose daughter Charley got nominated. “We’re obviously going through some things right now, so it’s just really awesome to see her be celebrated in a way that we can’t do right now.”
Her daughter Charley agreed that it was the best day ever.
“Thank you for your service and taking off a day to shop with us,” Remee said.
Other than one hiccup, everything went smoothly.
“The grinch did get arrested,” said Sgt. Kris Steffa of the Glendale Police Department. “He tried to prevent us from entering the store, and we didn’t allow that to go.”
After the gift-wrapping station, the kids discovered the icing on top – a new bicycle to make a grand exit on, thanks to Western Towing.
“Then the City of Glendale Transportation Department donated all the helmets, because we want them to be safe with that,” said Steffa.
It was a big savings for the families who were selected.
“A whole lot, a whole lot,” Jose’s mom Clarice added.
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