Six-year-old Ares' eyes lit up with excitement as he browsed Walmart's toy aisles during the Monroe Police Department's Shop with a Cop event last week. But he was more interested in buying gifts for his brothers than himself.
The Monroe Police Department's second annual Shop with a Cop event was held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Monroe Walmart and was coordinated by Detective Spencer Robinson.
The event provided a unique holiday experience for 14 kids that included transportation, free pizza and cupcakes, Santa Claus, Christmas stockings filled with gifts, a $100 shopping spree at Walmart and dinner at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
Thirteen officers, including patrol officers, sergeants, detectives and a deputy chief, volunteered their time to participate in the event. They were joined by several administrative staff and a couple of the officers' wives.
K9 Nuke even made an appearance at the beginning of the event, interacting with several kids.
Shop with a Cop is a referral-based program, with referrals coming through various local agencies. Last year's event served 10 kids, and Robinson knew right away he wanted to add more.
"The very first year we had Monroe Police Shop with a Cop, I knew adding kids the next year was a target goal,GÇ¥ Robinson said. "Finding referrals for deserving kids is easy; finding sustainable funding is the challenge.GÇ¥
This year's event was made possible through a $1,000 donation from Walmart, along with contributions from the Monroe Police Officers Association, Speedway Chevrolet, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and several Monroe residents. Sgt. Cindy Chessie even received a donation during the event from an individual who walked into Walmart, noticed the flurry of officers and kids and gave $40 on the spot to help support their efforts.
"I am super thankful to everyone and every one of these organizations who helped and made this possible,GÇ¥ Robinson said.
Each officer was paired with a child or two during the event. While officers were grateful for the interaction with each child that participated, three of the young shoppers held a special place in their hearts; Ares and his two older brothers, Isaiah, 9, and Jonathan, 8.
The three were removed from their parents' custody by Monroe police officers in October. The three were homeless, living in a car and wearing clothes that were dirty and worn. The day they were taken into police custody happened to be Ares' sixth birthday, so the officers grabbed balloons, cake and gifts, and threw him a birthday party.
Ares told the officers it was the best birthday he had ever had.
The boys are currently living in foster care in the Everett area. Foster mom Lisa Sankey said Ares hasn't stopped talking about his birthday celebration at the police department. Shortly after the boys entered the care of Sankey and her husband, Jonathon turned eight, so they threw him a birthday party.
But it didn't quite top the impromptu party at the police station.
"Even with the Darth Vader pi+¦ata we couldn't top it,GÇ¥ Sankey said.
She expects the boys to be in her care for at least six months, but said things can change in an instant when it comes to foster care. She and her husband have been fostering kids in need for about 4 1/2 years, she said, which has been exciting, rewarding and challenging.
"Having the support of the police department is amazing,GÇ¥ Sankey said. "Just knowing that we're not in it by ourselves, that we have a village that helps us with what we're doing with the kids; they're awesome.GÇ¥
All three of the boys were thrilled to be reunited with officers for Shop with a Cop, and the officers were equally thrilled to see them.
"We're excited to have them here tonight because they're super sweet kids,GÇ¥ Chessie said.
Ares shopped with Sgt. Rick Dunn and Officer Jason Southard, both of whom encouraged him to choose a few items for himself. But young Ares was content with finding things his brothers liked, including a Minecraft toy for Jonathan and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys for Isaiah. When asked by officers to pick something for himself, his reply was a consistently cheerful, "No, thank you.GÇ¥
"He makes the best of everything,GÇ¥ Sankey said. "He finds the positive in every situation.GÇ¥
Finally, Southard and Dunn were clued into the fact that Ares was a fan of Spiderman. They helped him select a Spiderman figure, so he would have at least one gift for himself. While Ares shopped for his brothers, they were shopping for him.
That was a common theme during Shop with a Cop, Robinson said. One young girl purchased toys and games her whole family would be able to enjoy.
"What's awesome is how many of the kids bought gifts for their family members, brothers and sisters and not just for themselves,GÇ¥ Robinson said. "I think these kids are all smart enough to see it's not the "toys' or "things' they can buy that's important, but the spirit behind the gifts that is important.GÇ¥
Robinson spearheaded Shop with a Cop last year after an interaction with his own son, whom he credits for starting the event. The then 4-year-old expressed grave sadness after learning some kids didn't have both a mom and dad, and even worse, some kids don't have a home. Struck by his son's dismay, Robinson was inspired to take action, with Shop with a Cop being the result.
The event is simply a way for Monroe police officers to show the community that they care, Robinson said.
"In this holiday season, we would like to share a special, unique and positive experience with these kids, which will be something they remember,GÇ¥ he-ásaid. "I'm looking forward to next year and hope this will continue to be an annual event.GÇ¥Photos by Chris Hendrickson
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