Gig Harbor Police officers and staff helped make the holiday season a little brighter for local students at the annual Holiday Helpers event on Tuesday.
Seven Peninsula School District students, ages 7 through 11, took a field trip to Target to do some holiday shopping with the officers.
The students were nominated by their schools and screened and interviewed by the police department.
“These children are those who could use some self-esteem boost or need positive interaction with law enforcement,” said program organizer Kim Crowder.
In addition to the officers volunteering their time, she said the Jaycox Gig Harbor Police Benevolent Fund and Target provided the kids with about $300 gift certificates to spend on whatever they wanted to buy.
The Gig Harbor community also pitched as Kelly’s Café & Espresso provided breakfast. Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club donated lunch and bikes, which were restored by the inmates at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Purdy. Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One will also be giving away free helmets.
After an hour of shopping, members of Soroptimist of Gig Harbor and Kwanis Club helped wrap the gifts, which ranged from dog treats to a 101-piece tool set.
Police Chief Mike Davis said since the program started 8 years ago, he’s impressed with the kids’ generosity to buy presents for their family and friends—and often leaving themselves off the list.
For more information on the Jaycox Gig Harbor Police Benevolent Fund, visit the Gig Harbor Police website.
