December 15, 2015—Wal-Mart #5671 in Homestead swarmed with Homestead Police Officers. However, they weren’t responding a crime spree. They were there for a shopping spree as part of the inaugural “Shop with a Cop” event. Thanks to the efforts of Councilman Larry Roth and This is for the Kids, Inc., 30 lucky kids got a chance to have a positive experience with a Homestead police officer.
At the January Special Council presentation, Councilman Roth presented Certificates of Appreciation to over 50 volunteers, organizations, and sponsors who participated and helped out in the first of its kind event. Each child and their family members spent time with the officers by shopping at the Wal-Mart, sharing snacks, and getting to know the police officers of Homestead.
“There was a huge heart-felt outpouring of support for this event. This was a way to show our kids that police are not to be feared.” Councilman Roth continued, “I believe we have the best police department in the nation and experiences like “Shop With A Cop” prove it.”
The 30 children were selected by the Homestead Police Department’s SOS unit, a non-profit, social services agency. The kids received a $75 Wal-Mart gift card thanks to This is For the Kids, Inc.—a non-profit organization co-founded by Councilman Roth and his Board: Alisa McPheron, Tony Garcia, Kim Frickey, Susan Newman and William Thibault.
Homestead Police officers, Command Staff, the Police Explorers and SOS staff, all volunteered their time and hearts to this event. Food was provided by Big Pig Barbeque and Wal-Mart set aside special registers for the purchases and their employees made time to make sure all the children had a good time shopping.
