On Saturday, December 9th, the Hiram and Garrettsville Police Departments teamed up to help make the holidays a little brighter for some local families. “We had a total of 29 children participate this year,” Hiram Village Police Chief Brian Gregory noted. “That’s the largest number we’ve ever hosted during Shop With a Cop’s 12 years.”
As in past years, school districts were contacted, with 29 children and their families selected for participation in the program. Of the families served, 12 children attend Crestwood Schools, while 17 children attend James A. Garfield Schools.
Hiram Mayor Lou Bertrand and Garrettsville Mayor Rick Patrick were on hand to help kids make their selections. Chief Gregory noted that every available police officer from both Garrettsville and Hiram was also on hand to shop with the children.
Hiram’s Mayor-elect Ann Haynam was among a dozen volunteers wrapping the children’s gifts to help them prepare for the holiday. “Michelle Rowh-Eackelbary and her team at Target in Streetsboro partnered with us to make a special day possible for all who attended,” Chief Gregory added.
After shopping, the children, their families, volunteers and officers gathered at the Hiram Fire station to enjoy a hot breakfast courtesy of AVI Foods. The meal was served by additional volunteers from Hiram Village. “Breakfast gave the kids time to meet and talk with the police officers,” Chief Gregory noted, “which is what the event is all about.”
The “Shop with a Cop” program brings children and police officers together, and according to Chief Gregory, builds a bond that is essential to community policing. In addition, The event helps provides food and gifts — and hopefully a little holiday cheer — to local families under financial strain.
“There should be no child that should feel the sense of confusion and the feeling of going without during the holiday season.” Chief Gregory said. He noted that the special program was started by his predecessor, former Hiram Police Chief Ed Samec. To this day, it continues to be a well-loved and highly regarded program by both Hiram and Garrettsville Police Departments.
