Each year, the Department of Public Safety uses donations from personnel and staff to take children shopping for Christmas. With the pandemic restrictions in place, this year's efforts looked a bit different. Rather than taking a group of children on an outing, the department connected with a local family in need of some holiday cheer.

On Saturday, December 12, members of the University's police department helped a local mom and her four children make the most of a generous donation from Meijer. The children, 12 and under, shopped for necessities like warm clothes while Mom picked up groceries and personal items as well. The kids also checked items off their wish lists, including fishing equipment for the aspiring 12-year-old angler. 

Personnel on hand for the shopping excursion included Chief Kidd, Assistant Chief Petrocelli, CPT Cairo, CPT Durian, SGT Swank, Officer Sipes, and Community Engagement Officer Orrill. Chief Kidd said the event was a "blessing" and he was "thankful to share that time with the family." He mentioned that moments like those shared with the family on Saturday stirred emotions as all members of the department who joined in the fun are also parents.

In a year where there was so much uncertainty and stress, the department enjoyed easing some of this family's worries especially given the loss of Mom's job as a result of the pandemic. Thanks to Meijer, the family not only completed this successful shopping trip, but also had funds left to put on a gift card to use at a later date. 

The department continues to encourage its personnel to be generous within the community and demonstrate the true spirit of Christmas with everyone they meet.