A special day for cops and kids

The garage at the Saukville Police Station was converted into the North Pole for the 12th annual Shop with a Cop program on Saturday — an event that pairs children who have had a tough year with law enforcement officers for a morning of food, fun and some serious holiday shopping.

The sound of laughter melded with serious planning as the 22 youngsters were paired up with officers. They each shared  breakfast before heading out with $200 gift cards to shop at Walmart or Blain’s Farm and Fleet. 

For Port Washington Police Lt. J.J. Mejchar, who was paired with 15-year-old Logan, that involved not just getting to know each other but finding out who they would be shopping for and developing a wish list.

Logan was shopping for his younger sister, aunt and grandmother, as well as their pet guinea pigs. Mejchar offered a little advice but warned, “I’ve lost track of dolls. We’ll just go and see what jumps out at you.”

He was helped in the process of developing his wish list by Thiensville Police Officer Michael Stone, who was paired with Logan’s sister.

“We share intel,” Mejchar confided.

A quick ride in a squad car and they were at Walmart, where youngsters and officers flooded the aisles searching for the perfect gifts. Logan made quick work of his list, picking an array of presents to go under the tree while avoiding his sister in the store aisles.

“You’ve done a really good job thinking of everyone and sticking to the budget,” Mejchar told Logan, who looked at some video games. “I think we could swing that for you — but you’re going to have to look surprised when you open it up. That’s the rule.”

At the checkout, Logan’s gifts just exceeded the gift card, and Mejchar covered the difference.

“You got a lot for everybody and stayed in budget,” he told the boy. “Phenomenal.”

They headed back to the police station, where volunteers manned stations filled with wrapping paper and bows. They made quick work of the gifts, which were then loaded into bags for easy transport.

The selection of toys was overwhelming. One young boy proudly held a Nerf gun he bought that was almost as tall as he was, while another showed off a blue sled he selected.

Then Santa made a quick stop at the station, with each child and officer posing for photos on his lap.

A hot cocoa and doughnuts station was nearby, and youngsters proceeded to play until their families arrived to take them home.

In addition to the gifts they bought, the youngsters each received a fleece blanket and board game, as well as food for a holiday meal for their families.

Shop with a Cop started here a dozen years ago, organized by former Saukville police officer Emily Neese, who said it was a way for law enforcement officers who sometimes only see these children at the worst times of their lives to develop relationships while bringing them the joy of the holidays, and it’s grown ever since.

The children are selected for the program by the county’s school districts, who know which youngsters have had a rough time of it. Perhaps there’s been a death in the family, a divorce or a change in their home life. Maybe they’re struggling with financial issues or a parent has moved out.

And there’s no shortage of officers willing to participate, Kimberly Buechler, the Saukville Police Department administrative assistant who organizes the event, said. The program involves officers from each of the county’s six police departments, as well as the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

Asked why he takes part each year, Mejchar said, “I fell in love with this event — it’s my favorite event of the year. I just really enjoy Christmas and seeing the youths. It’s fun to walk them through the process and see the smiles.

“And I think it really makes a difference.”

Saukville Police Chief Robert Meyer said he thinks the event is special.

“We look forward to this every year,” he said. “It’s great to interact with the kids and bring a little holiday cheer. Sometimes this is the only time these kids see officers in a positive setting.”

The program is funded through donations — key sponsors include Walmart, Blain’s Farm and Fleet, Prime Minister,  Mile Rock Site Solutions, Lakeside Pepsi and Starbucks — and private contributions.

“I’ve had people over the years while we’re in the store say, ‘Here’s $20, here’s $50,’” Saukville police officer Eric Ramthun said, noting that Saturday one person at Farm and Fleet gave an officer a $400 gift card for the program. “It’s just amazing. And this is just fun.”

One teen he took shopping years ago recently told him she plans to become a police officer, he said. “It really helps to build those relationships.”

And the day is special for both the officers and children. As one youngster told Port police officer Jake Zygowski Saturday, “This is the best day of my life.”