by Kevin Lilly
Pharos-Tribune
LOGANSPORT —
A group of 29 students from Cass County got the chance to ride in a police car on their way to go shopping for school supplies.
On Sunday morning, the kids and their parents joined police officers from local law enforcement agencies in the aisles of Wal-Mart for the second annual Back to School “Shop with a Cop” program organized by the Logansport Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 71.
The kids paired up with 18 officers from the Logansport Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police in a search for the pens, pencils and clothes that might make the transition from summer break to school a little easier.
Joyce Small of Logansport said she desperately needed new clothing for her growing boy, 10-year-old Jeremiah Small. She is the sole income for her family and among the 355 state hospital workers who will be laid off by March.
“It is very much appreciated,” she said of the assistance.
Jeremiah, a student at Columbia Elementary school, got so excited about hanging out with police and buying the things he needs to start school that he could hardly sleep the night before. He even woke up before his mom Sunday morning.
Police officers pushed carts as the kids picked out school clothes that their moms made sure fit by holding them up next to their smiling children.
Ten-year-old Jaydon Shelton scored new shoes, shorts and shirts. He shopped with LPD Sgt. Brad Miller, who said Shelton liked when Miller triggered the sirens on his squad car on the way to Wal-Mart from the McHale Community Complex at Riverside Park.
In the park, the families ate a breakfast of donuts, milk and juice supplied by Community Partners, an organization that provides family and children’s services to those at risk for child abuse and neglect or youth that have been involved in delinquent behavior.
Each of the 29 kids received $125 to spend plus a backpack and school supplies donated by Trinity Episcopal Church.
Miller said he and the other officers enjoyed spending time with the families. He believes the program provides the opportunity for the kids to get to know police.
“It’s nice that they get to see police officers in a different light,” Miller said. “It helps them understand that we are here to help.”
LPD Detective Rob Smith wanted to thank the public for donating to the program, which targets children in need of school supplies from Cass County schools. He said they would not be able to help so many young students without the donations from local individuals, businesses and organizations.
“Even with the bad economy people still stepped up,” Smith said.
Want to help?
Anyone wanting to donate to next year’s “Shop with a Cop” outing can do so by contacting Detective Rob Smith at 574-753-4101, Ext. 213. The more money raised means the more children who receive school supplies and clothes.
• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.
