Fenton Police Officer Participates in 'Shop with a Cop'

Thirty children and their families had pizza and pop in the White Lake Cafe, as Chief of Police Edward Harris and Officer Chuck Brandt explained the game plan. The 30 kids would each receive a $100 gift card donated by Meijer, and they would get to “Shop with a Cop” for gifts for their families and themselves.

The schools submit names of students who are in need. After the shopping, Huron Valley Optimist Club members wrapped the presents, and the children and their families were on their way to a happier Christmas.

This year, the White Lake Township Police Department had some additional assistance from the Department, and more area volunteers.

Officer Jeff Cross, of the Fenton Police Department, said he’s participated in Fenton’s Shop with a Cop, and it was his first year assisting with the event in White Lake Township.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Cross said. “The kids love it. It’s not every day they have a good encounter with the police.”

In between snacking, shopping and talking with their new friends, the kids greeted a special guest — Santa Claus.

Thomas Bradley, 7, a student at Oxbow Community School, sat on Santa’s lap and had a question for the jolly old elf. Thomas wanted to know which list he was on.

“So far, you’re on the good list,” Santa replied, with a smile.

Thomas’s brother, Dakota Bradley, 11, also an Oxbow Community School student, was the family member selected for Shop with a Cop. Dakota said he was excited, and he wasn’t sure what he would buy yet.

Another Shop with a Cop participant, Thomas Martin, 10, from said, “I’m just looking to get presents for my brothers and my Mom. I’m not really going to get anything for myself.”

He would like Legos and video games for Christmas, Thomas said.

Richard Varnadoe, a fifth-grader at Brooks Elementary, also said he was looking for presents for his family, and a few of his friends. “It sounds exciting,” he said.

He asked Santa for money, football and hockey cards and “sports stuff,” Richard said. “I play hockey. I’m a snowboarder. And I play football, but I’m not on a team.”

The children, who are selected for the event through their schools, are more interested in shopping for their family than themselves, Harris said. t has assisted with the annual event for 14 years. Brandt, the department’s school liaison officer, has organized the event for the past few years. He also belongs to the Huron Valley Optimist Club.

Lisa Hamameh, the township attorney for helped Hailey Cook, 10, from Oxbow Community School, choose her purchases. She participates in the event each year, Hamameh said. “It’s a lot of fun to shop with them, picking out all these gifts for their family and themselves.”

Her shopping partner, Hailey, made it to the cash register in record time, after visiting the store with her mother the day before. “We did supershop,” Hamameh said. “I think we broke a world record.”

Hailey said she picked out gifts for her family, including her brother, and a hat and boots for herself. She couldn’t put the presents under the Christmas tree yet, though, she told Hamameh. The dog would find them and open them.

Brooks Elementary student Karlie Short, 10, shopped with volunteer Kayla Barber, a member of the community. “She’s pretty prepared,” Barber said.

Karlie said she made a list of what she wanted to buy for her family. She would like a Blizzard frozen treat maker for Christmas, for herself. Her favorite flavor is Oreo, Karlie said.

Amanda Heimbauch brought her son Michael, 9, a student at , to the event. “He’s going to shop ‘til he can drop, I guess,” Heimbauch said. “He’s looking forward to it. He’s happy; he’s excited. He’s more concerned about making sure his sister and his grandpa have a good Christmas than himself.”

Past President Richard Russell, Jr. said many of the club’s officers and board members were there to help wrap gifts. Some of them have assisted with the Shop with a Cop event for a number of years.

On Thursday, Shop with a Cop volunteers, the Optimist Club and 20 more children will go to the White Lake , which is donating a $100 gift card for each child, Harris said.