Cathedral City Mayor Experiences Shop with a Cop

Shop with a Cop, a Christmas Story Unlike Others

Mayor Mark Carnevale, Police Chief George Crum, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Ross, and Santa Claus.

CATHEDRAL CITY — It was the Shop with a Cop event—an annual tradition that brought children and Cathedral City law enforcement officers along with Police Chief George Crum together to pick out gifts for themselves. Hey, why not? Each child would receive $200 to spend as he or she wished.

Thank you to one donor, Palm Springs Elks 1905, that gave $6,000 to this event. Elk’s member Barbara Knox was there greeting the children.

This year, Chief Crum, along with his officers, were waiting for the parents and children to arrive at 7: a.m. at the Target store in Cathedral city.

I heard am officer say, “OK, kiddos, let’s make this a good one! You’ve got a budget, and you’ve got to pick out something nice for yourselves.”

The kids nodded, but instead of rushing to the toy aisles, they stood still for a moment, exchanging glances, as if wordlessly communicating with each other. I noticed that some of them seemed particularly excited to grab something for themselves.

As I walked throughout the store, I noticed every child had a uniformed officer with them pushing their basket of items. The children had big smiles, and so did the officers.  But there was something different, I noticed this wasn’t just about picking out toys for themselves.

As they walked through the aisles, it became apparent that the some of the kids weren’t interested in toys or treats for themselves. They carefully selected items that would bring joy to their parents, siblings, or even grandparents. They passed up the  toys, the newest gadgets, and the candy aisle. Instead, they chose soft blankets, warm scarves, books, and small trinkets they thought their loved ones would cherish.

When I was about to leave, I noticed one young man who was speaking to the Chief inquiring about becoming a police officer one day. Chief Crum gave this young man encouraging words to stay out of trouble, do good, and come back and see him to join the cadet program in the near future.

I don’t know about you, but this gives me so much hope for these unselfish children that their character will make them very successful in their journey in life.

Thank you, Chief Crum, and your talented, caring officers, giving back to these families, I am sure you all made a difference that day.

 

Photos courtesy of CCPD