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West Chester cops take kids shopping for toys

Nick Daggy/Staff photographer West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus shops with Gavin Kummler Monday Dec. 21, 2009, during the "Shop With A Cop" program at Meijer in West Chester Twp.

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 10:28 AM Wednesday, December 23, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Police and local prosecutors here treated 36 area children to a merrier Christmas than they otherwise would have had.

But not all the gifts bought Monday, Dec. 21, went to those who purchased them.

It was the third annual “Kids and Cops” program to be held locally, this year in partnership with the West Chester Police Department, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 186, Butler County Area III Court, the West Chester Meijer and Beckett Ridge Skyline Chili.

“It’s a hoot,” said Lt. Norm Pearson. “The whole idea of Christmas is here. We’re just trying to give a little more than they would have had and let them have a good time, especially the little ones.”

Children ages 5 through 12 were paired with West Chester officers and prosecutors — who volunteered their time — to spend $200 — $50 more than last year — on themselves and their families. Children are chosen by the Lakota Local School District.

While there were plenty of bicycles, dolls and trading cards flying off the shelves Monday evening at Meijer — preceded by words like “I want...” — some took the opportunity to explore a deeper meaning of Christmas.

Karri Kummler, of West Chester, gave her 7-year-old Gavin a choice this year.

“He gets gifts every year,” Kummler said. “We told him, he has food and clothes and a lot that other kids don’t have.

“He took it to heart,” she said, suddenly tearing up. “I’m very proud of him.”

Instead of keeping the toys he bought Monday, Gavin said he’d rather give them to local churches or others in need.

“They should get gifts for Christmas because it’s a holiday,” Gavin said, as his shopping partner, Police Chief Erik Niehaus added up the boy’s cart. “I get stuff for Christmas, and these things should be for other kids ... and the churches.”

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