Caring cops make children happy at Christmas

They're an unconventional batch of elves to be sure. Rather than stick with the traditional, this year a few of Santa's helpers have traded in their red suits and caps for a new look: perfectly pressed uniforms of deep blue.

Yes, their boots are still black and shiny. Their temperaments remain jolly. But instead of large packs slung over their backs and a team full of reindeer pulling their sleighs, these elves pack pistols and patrol town streets in high-powered Crown Vics with blue lights and sirens.

By 3:30 last Tuesday afternoon, the 19 youngsters paired with these atypical elves were ready to go. Seated quietly in the Wake Forest Police Station Courtroom, they awaited their assignments.

Jonathan would be shopping with Officer Richard Brown, announced the major, Greg Dixon. David and Charis would go with Lt. Darren Abbacchi. Alyse, the young lady with an eye for fashion, was partnered with Officer Yonica Patrick. On down the list it went, Destiny, Brittany, Markee and Joel. Rekia, Rayquan, Latreacye and Stephanie -- all matched with their own elf in blue -- were ready for the police department's annual Shop With a Cop.

Using money donated and raised at events like Hoops for Wake Forest and St. Catherine of Siena's Chili Cook-Off, the officers and their family members give their time (and energy) to take underprivileged children Christmas shopping. Now in its third year, the event was the brainchild of Officers Kim Warren and Cindy Perry.

The premise is simple: treat kids who wouldn't normally have a merry Christmas to a bit of the holiday spirit. Each child is given a $100 allowance and also gets to select a new winter coat. Once the shopping's over, they're whisked back to the station for a pizza party celebration.

Children 5 to 11 were chosen by staffers at the town's two elementary schools, Wake Forest and Franklin Academy.

Blue Christmas

With the pairings announced, Dixon ordered everyone onto the bus headed for the Louisburg Wal-Mart. It was time to go.

"How much do we get?" some children asked. "Is it $100?" Others chatted, getting to know their neighbors. Some made shopping lists.

Latreacye rattled off four sisters she wanted to buy for, one who liked Pooh bear. Charis had her mom, sister and brother on her list. Dad was away, she said, and wouldn't be back in time for the holiday. Brittany was buying just for herself, she announced, just as mom requested.

Into the Wal-Mart they went. Children with the buggies, officers following behind. Markee and Brittany headed straight for the toys. They knew just what topped their lists -- new bicycles. Quickly, Markee pointed to a bright blue two-wheeler with red accents. There was no question that was the one, he said, as Police Chief Greg Harrington plucked it from the rack.

Brittany's ride, a pink and teal number, fit the third-grader perfectly. For just $35 apiece, both she and Markee had plenty left to spend.

Two aisles down, Jonathan's eyes grew wide as he closed in on the Legos and Power Rangers. "I love (Power Rangers) a lot," he said, "I watch them every morning."

His breathing heavy, he scanned the shelves slowly. Up, down, back and forth. Which Legos to choose -- Spiderman or Star Wars? But what about the Blok Bots? There were too many to decide.

Like so many of the others, Jonathan went back and forth, changing his mind about which toys he should pick. A Spiderman play set went back on the shelf, traded in for an extra Power Ranger.

Charis got rings. David favored a remote control car -- Rekia had a theme -- it seemed, pink. From Barbie dolls to dress-up clothes to the outfit for her baby sister, most everything in her cart (except for the new watch for grandma) was a pleasing shade of bubble gum.

Destiny found some Bratz. Markee opted for a Like Mike video, leaving the mini skateboards and a toy motorcycle on the shelves.

Alyse picked UNO Attack -- a gift for the family -- and some clothes and socks for herself. The fuzzy pink bathrobe stayed on the rack.

Brittany, in addition to that bike, got some shoes, a pair for church and a pair for school.

Angel-faced Joel found a fuzzy green blanket. "I haven't been sleeping well lately," he said, batting his big doe eyes, and he'd been too cold. The blanket, he decided, might be just the remedy.

Tidings of comfort and joy

When Kenny Mangum learned the department still needed volunteers for Shop With a Cop, the officer signed right up. "I like working with kids. It's another way we can give back to the community," he said.

Mangum says the experience was all he hoped for and more. "We were supposed to let them do the shopping. I wanted to steer him to get something useful, but I didn't.

"(Markee) wanted cars so we went straight to the toy section. Later, he wanted a CD player with headphones and the Like Mike tape so we traded off."

Mangum said the shopping trip brought back many of his own childhood Christmas memories. "They looked like kids in a candy store," he said of the children.

Just seeing the awed faces and the compliments he got from fellow shoppers and store employees, Mangum said, "made my day."

Following a rather noisy ride home, the children, the officers and several of their family members who came to help enjoyed a pizza party complete with a few Christmas carols and dozens of smiling faces.

Mangum says he'd recommend the experience to any officer who asked. "I think they ought to do it. I think everybody ought to do it. It will melt Š (even) a hardened heart."