Kids hang with the cops
- posted: 04 Dec. 2007
- scrollnews@byui.edu
More than 50 Rexburg children stormed Kmart early on Saturday morning, surrounded by police officers bearing gifts.
The annual Shop With a Cop program began at 6 a.m. Saturday. Parents and children gathered at the Westwood Theater, meeting Rexburg police officers before heading out.
Party sirens broke the morning silence of Main Street as parents stood cross-armed in the cold watching their children ride by in a lit-up police car caravan.
Each child rode with an officer in a patrol car on the way to McDonald’s.
The program was created to provide Christmas gifts for families who have a hard time financially, said Kmart’s Assistant Manager Jill Mangum.
About 55 kids and 22 families benefited from the event, estimated Kmart’s Loss Prevention Manager Matt Wach. It costs about $175 a child, he said. Wach played Santa Clause, distributing gifts to the children.
“This is the only gig I do year after year,” Wach said. “It’s because I get to see the smiles on the childrens’ faces. It’s because of them.”
Some police officers feel they are helping the community by participating.
Tazzian and Kason Simper, two brothers ages 11 and 10, rode with Sgt. Chuck Kunsaitis.
“It’s fulfilling to help out a family in a rough spot and bring a smile to their face,” Sgt. Kunsaitis said.
He explained that past participants ranged from age four to teenagers. The program has been going on for more than 10 years.
Another benefit for participants is that they experience police officers in a positive environment, said Officer Collin Erickson.
Many think that getting to know the cops makes the process a great experience for the children.
“Some are nervous at first, but once they have breakfast and that first conversation, the kids are fine,” Erickson said.
The event attracted many sponsors and donations in the past, the addition of a board specifically working on the program helped draw from even more resources, Magnum said.
Toward the end, the kids reflected on their favorite things about Christmas while wrapping the purchased presents.
“Having your family over and eating a lot and unwrapping presents,” Tazzian said.
His brother looked forward to the cheer and joy the Christmas season brings 
