They couldn’t contain their excitement any longer. With flashing lights, nine police vehicles escorted two buses filled with 40 children to the New Lenox Walmart for Shop with a Cop.
“I look forward to this every year” said New Lenox police Chief Louis Alessandrini. “Anytime you can put a smile on a kid’s face, what more joy during the holiday season can there be?”
Alessandrini said the department has participated in the program for 13 years.
“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community and to spend some time with the youth from the New Lenox area,” Alessandrini said. “We enjoy this as much as the kids do.”
This year, 20 officers, family and friends help each participant pick out gifts for themselves and their family members.
More Top Picks Best Acupressure Mats For Headaches
“When you see young children not just buy for themselves but for their mom, a brother or even a pet, it’s heartwarming,” Alessandrini said. “This program is laying a foundation for the future so they get a chance to see police officers in another light.”
Names of children and teens are given to the police department from school districts and the New Lenox Township food pantry.
Each child and teen receive a $100 Walmart gift card, a $5 McDonald’s gift card and a goody bag. Toy guns, violent video games and gift cards are not allowed for purchase.
Alessandrini said the Morningstar Mission is a big contributor, and police officers raise money throughout the year with various events.
“This is so much fun,” said 6-year-old Brady McKillip.
He and recently retired Officer Paul Simon were trying out some of the toys.
“I picked out a track that goes around so many loops,” McKillip said.
Rebecca Mroz was celebrating her 7th Birthday while choosing Christmas gifts.
“I picked out a Barbie, glittery slime and a pink dress,” Mroz said. “My sister loves the movie “Eternals,” so I picked out a Marvel toy for her.”
Dressed in a Santa hat, Officer Jeff Lindeman took Alex Kalina around the store. Lindeman, a New Lenox officer for 23 years, has volunteered for Shop with a Cop for years. He credits his parents for teaching him to always give back.
“My mom was always doing things for others, especially Christmastime where we would hand out homemade cookies to everyone,” said Lindeman.
His father a police officer in Tinley Park ran in the Special Olympics every year.
Lindeman and Alex wrapped gifts back at the police station.
“I’m a goofy person so I love just being a kid right along with them,” Lindeman said. “We’re always trying to explain to kids when they see the uniform, we are here to help out. Our job is to help more than to arrest.”
One mom, Amanda Hayes, said didn’t know what her family would do without this program.
“With everything going on, such as my husband getting laid off and my sons having health issues, this makes a difference,” Hayes said. “This means everything to get help in a time of need.”
Mayor Tim Baldermann stopped by to say hello to the officers and kids. In years past he has been able to shop with the children.
“So many of the kids look for gifts for other people, they don’t even look for themselves,” Baldermann said. “Today is what it’s supposed to be all about, it’s a season of giving.”
Mary Compton is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown