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Disadvantaged kids have a chance to shop with a cop
By THOMAS MICHALSKI PINELLAS PARK – A new Christmas program modeled after one in Indiana has been launched here to make the holidays a bit more cheerful for disadvantaged children and their families.
Article published on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006
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| Sgt. Brian Unmisig calls “Shop with a Cop” a great community event. |
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“Shop with a Cop” was created by Sgt. Brian Unmisig. It allows children to purchase presents not only for themselves, but for their loved ones as well.
Officers drive kids in their cruisers to the Wal-Mart Superstore on U.S. 19 where they choose presents and later attend a gift wrapping party.
The adults are picked up in limousines donated by Jamie’s Party Bus and escorted to the Senior Center on 59th Street, up the street from the police administration building.
“It’s a great community relations tool because it gives officers an opportunity to interact with residents,” Unmisig said.
The idea came from his native Indiana where the Goshen police have been sponsoring a similar program
Unmisig said names of disadvantaged families were provided by officers and Amy Tyson, the city’s victim advocate.
Once word got out, however, the program was deluged with donations. Wal-Mart donated $1,000. Harry Huntley, owner of the Wagon Wheel Flea Market, donated another $500. Other checks ranging from $100 to $500 soon poured in.
Jamie’s Party Bus got on board by providing free limousine service for adults to attend the party after children wrap their gifts.
The city’s Police Explorers also will offer a spaghetti dinner that night. The Civilian Police Alumni Association will provide tours of decorated streets.
There also are plans to provide disadvantaged families with gift cards for food and other essentials.
“It’s just a great way to get to know the people we deal with other times of the year,” Unmisig said.
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Article published on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006
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