Santa Cops hope to help 85 kids
FD police are just shy of $8,500 goalBy KATIE WILLIAMS, Messenger staff writer
The Santa Cops program needs a little more help if it is going to reach its goal by Christmas.
The Fort Dodge Police Department has raised $8,000 of its $8,500 goal.
Fort Dodge Assistant Police Chief Kevin Doty said $8,000 is great but he was hoping for just a little more.
"Last year we had 83 kids," Doty said. "Right now we can take 80 kids shopping, but I was hoping it would grow every year."
From 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 10, police officers hope to give 85 Webster County students $100 to spend on Christmas presents for themselves and family members.
"The donations make it go," said Lt. Joe Bates, co-organizer for the program and officer with the Fort Dodge Police Department. "It's something really positive in Fort Dodge."
It's a chance to make a child happy and give them a Christmas they might not get due to financial circumstances, he said.
Each officer will get to go shopping with a kid at Target, 2910 First Ave. S., during the two-day event.
"I'm really pleased that Target lets us take over the store for a few hours," said Bates.
For the past six years, Target has shared the joy of the Santa Cops program. The store often provides refreshments for the parents while they wait for the kids to return with gifts, said Bates.
"Kids often come with a list to buy their mom and grandma something," said Bates. "Or they get necessities like gloves and coats and stocking hats."
Bates said it is moments like that that remind him of the true meaning of Christmas.
"Ninety-nine percent of kids are very grateful," he said.
Doty said officers have just as much fun as the kids do.
Officers from the Webster County Sheriff's Department and Iowa State Patrol also participate in Santa Cops.
Children who would benefit from the Santa Cops program are chosen through their school systems, Bates said.
Anyone who would like to donate to Santa Cops may drop off a donation at the Law Enforcement Center, 702 First Ave. S., in the care of Capt. Michael Buske.
Money donated beyond the $8,500 goal will be used for Santa Cops next year, said Bates.
Contact Katie Williams at (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net
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nolongerinfd
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11-27-08 3:23 AM
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You know if everyone skip Mc Donald's or Sport's Page for one day and gave that money to the program it would help!
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kaleidoscope
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11-26-08 11:11 PM
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malachy: I completely agree with you. I, too, grew up in a financially poor family and it is very painful to be singled out to ones peers as being poor. Living it can be bad enough without advertising it to everyone. That said, I think this is a wonderful program and the officers involved deserve a huge thank you for opening their hearts and giving freely of their time to help kids. I wish more people would remember this act of kindness and compassion the next time they complain about our local law enforcement. Nearly 40 of these same law enforcement personnel participated in the Polar Plunge at Badger Lake last Saturday, raising over $10,000 for Special Olympics. Thank an officer the next time you have opportunity!
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malachy
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11-26-08 2:59 PM
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When I was a kid, my family was very poor. While this program seems ok, let me emphasize somethng that only one who has been very poor would know anything about. I hated anything that identified my family or myself as poor. I recall all of the kids in one grade going to a dentist, and I was given a yellow card to carry---as a sign that I was poor.... Too many of these programs are for the "givers" who have taken the place of the Lady Bountifuls of past generaations; they can be getting their jollies at the expense of the poor kids/families. Everything that can be done to remove this problem should be done. Doing this in an empty store so that other customers cannot be gawking at the poor and needy is a great idea. "I love to see the officers in uniform shopping with a tot" is what I mean. Help, but always anonymously.
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jaybares
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11-26-08 8:55 AM
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I love to see the officers in uniform shopping with a tot. I really defines Christmas giving to a tee.
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racine36
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11-26-08 1:28 AM
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what an awesome experience for these kids!! I hope they raise the needed $500 for the shopping trip.
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