INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The major police presence at the Sebastian Wal-Mart Friday afternoon might have given the casual shopper a bit of a jolt. A dozen or so squad cars parked in front, lights flashing, 50-60 uniformed officers milling about. But it was all good. Great, in fact.
It was the annual Shop with a Cop event, a partnering of law enforcement, local business, the City of Sebastian and citizen volunteers, joining together so that kids in tough circumstances can have a Merry Christmas.
Organizer Pam Harmon explained that the event had exploded from a couple dozen children last year to about 150 this year thanks to the hard work of fundraising groups and the generosity of individuals and local businesses. Throughout the year, various fundraising events were held, foremost among them the 5K, which brought in $6,000 plus.
More than 50 law enforcement officers from the Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores and Fellsmere Police Departments, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol took part, all on a volunteer basis.
A key to the event’s success was Mark Rogers, manager of the Sebastian Wal-Mart. Rogers made the entire store and its employees available for the afternoon.
“I’ve done this in other Wal-Marts,” Rogers said. “It’s not about me or even the store. It’s about the kids seeing the police in a positive way. It’s about them. They do so much for the community, that’s more important than anything.”
Because of the large number of kids, the shopping was done in two waves, North County kids in the first, South County kids in the second. The children and the members of law enforcement gathered in the Sebastian City Hall Council Chambers to break the ice, as many of the children had never met a police officer and were a little shy.
Virtually every officer who commented agreed that what they looked forward to most was the look of joy and excitement in the children’s faces as they walked through the aisles of the store and realized they could actually buy presents for their families – and for themselves.
Police Explorer Hunter Evans, 15, a Gifford Middle School student, was looking forward to his first Shop with a Cop event. An Explorer since April, Evans has already participated in several competitions, and worked a number of parking details.
Fellsmere Police Officer Larry Lawson was also eagerly anticipating his first Shop with a Cop experience, and pointed to his daughter, Sebastian Police Officer Ashley Penn, who was in charge of organizing the South County group and providing instructions to one and all.
Looking around at the sea of (mostly) green that circled the room, she thanked everyone, noting that they had come on an entirely volunteer basis.
“I’m just happy to be a part of such an important event and to partner with others,” said Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris. “The donations have been unbelievable. It warms the heart, how kind and generous the people are.”
The officers headed for Wal-Mart and the first group of children boarded Indian River County School Bus No. 286 for their police escort, lights flashing, sirens sounding, led by IRCSO motorcycle Deputy Jeff Saputo.
Deputy Karrie Spooner, 29-year Sheriff’s Office veteran, was there, as well, with her famous blue Mustang. Sebastian K-9 Unit Officer Roy Cole and his partner, K-9 Officer Odie, were in their special vehicle, and Sebastian Volunteer Officers added to the escort motorcade.
Meanwhile, at Wal-Mart, employees in Santa hats rolled dozens of shopping carts out to the sidewalk and tied red, green and white balloons to them all.
Liz Rosell, a store employee for 13 years, adjusted her red and white hat, laughing as she worked unsuccessfully to unwind the recalcitrant balloon ribbons.
“Humpf. I officially give up!” she conceded at last.
Soon the sirens could be heard, the flashing lights appeared and the big yellow bus full of now very excited children pulled up to the store. In the organized chaos that ensued, kids were paired with police officers, assigned a balloon-festooned shopping cart and headed into the store, amid applause and camera flashes.
Soon the aisles were filled with little kids and fully uniformed officers earnestly discussing Christmas lists and comparing the qualities of various toys.
Officers Birtel and Perrone listened attentively as their young charge ticked off on her fingers the gifts she planned to buy.
“For my mom – my dad’s gone so not him – my grandma, my brother, my other brother, and, if I have enough money, for my friend. Oh, and me.”
Squatting down to her eye level, Officer Perrone wrote the list carefully on a notepad and promised they’d try hard to get everything in.
“Do you wanna hold my hand so I don’t get lost,” a Deputy said to his little charge. She grabbed his hand and aimed for the toy aisles.
“Maybe your mom would like a nice jar – or a vase,” said another.
Sgt. Milo Thornton and his little partner, Melinda, had things under control, with a pink sparkly bike and several other items in their cart.
“What’s important,” he said, “is that she bought her brother and sister something first.”
Officer Shawn Daley and Abbagale were also moving right along. Holding up the blue Furby she chose for her brother, she explained her other choices, all business.
“She shops like I shop,” Daley said. “Get in, and get out.”
As the shopping continued, a crew of volunteers were preparing the present wrapping tables, the entertainment and the food across the street in the Sebastian Community Center.
Harmon was there with volunteers from the community and from Wal-Mart. Cafeteria tables filled the room, festive with red, green and white clothes and twirled ribbon. The present-wrapping stations were ready, with rolls and rolls of bright paper, scissors and lots of tape.
Volunteering from Sebastian Elementary were PE teacher Paula Essig and classroom facilitator Mary Ostrowski.
On stage, preparing to perform were members of the Encores, a vocal group from Sebastian River High School, the girls in holiday sparkle, they boys in black with gray mufflers.
Outside at the grill, flipping hot dogs and hamburgers, was none other than Mark Rogers, who had changed from his store manager clothes, and donned an apron. With him was his wife, Andrea, daughters, Alexa and Ashley, and son, Christopher.
“Yes, he cooks, too!” said Andrea.
Shortly before the first busload of children arrived with their bags of gifts ready to be wrapped, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus appeared. All in red velvet and snowy trim.
As the first bunch of kids enjoyed their burgers and dogs, present wrapping, Santa visit and entertainment, the second wave was having its own magical Christmas shopping spree, and the officers were enjoying another trip around Wal-Mart with another very special child.
