STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Sterling Heights police took local children holiday shopping at Target on Saturday morning as part of the 17th annual “Cops and Kids” program.
The group of officers and 50 children shopped at the Target at 16 Mile and Dequindre roads.
“I’m looking for baseball things,” said Isiah Ingram of Sterling Heights. “I want to play baseball and soccer.”
Officers raised enough money to give each child $120.
“We get donations from citizens, businesses and our own FOP Lodge,” said Chief John Berg of the Sterling Heights Police Department.
Over $6,000 was raised over the year.
“We’ve got families that have seen this from the beginning and witnessed it with their friends so they are big donators,” said Sgt. Randy Depriest.
Children were able to buy a few toys for themselves and have enough money left over to buy things for family and friends.
“It’s shopping a lot and it’s helping people out when they need it,” said Elijah Ingram of Sterling Heights.
The program was designed to assist area children and their families in need during the holidays, as well as making some new friends in blue.
“It’s amazing,” said John Shuler, a Target employee. “We love supporting it.”