Cops help two dozen students choose presents in West Chester

A couple dozen Lakota schools kids got to go on a shopping spree Thursday night with the West Chester Twp. police.

School resource officers and 24 students from the Lakota School District spent about an hour browsing the aisles at the Meijer Store on Tylersville Road.

“Meijer generously provides a gift card to each child that allows them to choose toys for themselves, but also shop for their parents and siblings,” township spokeswoman Barb Wilson said. “If the bill goes a little over the amount allotted, it’s not unusual for a West Chester officer to dip into their own pocket to cover the difference.”

The “Shop With A Cop” event is an annual opportunity for the police to help local kids have a merrier holiday season.

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“The kids and cops shopping event is as special for us as it is for the kids. It’s especially gratifying to see the kids run up and greet the school resource officers with huge smiles,” Police Chief Joel Herzog said. “It really demonstrates how important our school resource officer program with Lakota is and our ongoing commitment of community policing. Building these relationships can make a difference in the lives of these kids.”

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