TOLEDO (WTOL) - Nearly 200 Toledo kids were able to shop with a cop on Monday.
The kids had no trouble making their lists and checking them twice.
“For my sister, I’m getting her barbies. My brothers, games and like a toy gun. And my mom, like smell goods and stuff,” said 14-year-old Alysia Hughes.
Each child received a $100 gift card for a local Meijer to buy gifts they couldn’t normally afford.
”Speechless,” said 11-year-old Brian Mowry, as a grin creeped up the sides of his face.
Beyond the money, it’s about relationships.
"Just spending time with a police officer, and getting toys, and talking, and being famous,” said 9-year-old Jay Jones looking through his shopping cart with Sgt. Michael Smith.
"Jay’s got the biggest heart I think I’ve seen in forever. You know, he came in and he was wanting to buy me stuff and his family things, and I’m like, ‘Jay, this day’s about you, buddy. So you know, you want to shop for your family, wonderful, but let’s focus on you and the things you want to get for yourself and your family.’ Just amazing, it’s what Christmas is all about,” Toledo Police Sgt. Michael Smith said, laughing.
Around the holidays, police officers visit homes where they see no tree and no presents. On this day, officers can recharge their batteries, giving back to kids who need it most.
"This is my fourth year, and it’s the same every year. It’s just a great, great experience being with these kids,” Village of Berkeley Capt. Randy Saint John said as he shopped with 11-year-old Brian. "And you’ll see, $100 goes pretty quickly. They’re opening their wallets, and they’re spending some more of their own money for the kids. And one of the things that makes me the happiest? Most of the time, these kids are buying things for their siblings or their mom and dad first before they think of themselves. So it’s just a good day all around for Toledo. I love this day,” Toledo Police Chief George Kral said.
Feet on the Street has been organizing and funding “Twelve Kids of Christmas” for 10 years now. Lucas County Children’s Services vets kids' level of need and selects them for Feet on the Street. Then, the kids go on their shopping spree with service men and women.
If you’d like more information, you can contact Feet on the Street.
