Santa Cop Keeps Holiday Spirit Alive, Despite Economy

by Allison Braund

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Three-year-old Peyton Farmer knew exactly what she was going to buy with her $200 Target shopping spree: a gift for her sister.

"I want this for Kaya!" she said, clutching a giant pink Care Bear.

Peyton was one more than 60 children who went on a shopping spree early Saturday morning at SuperTarget in Leesburg through Santa Cop, an annual event sponsored by the Loudoun-Dulles Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). As they shopped, each child was accompanied by a police officer who served as his or her own personal Santa. Afterward, the children and officers ate breakfast together at IHOP in Leesburg.

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Officers Spread Holiday Cheer

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Santa Cops lined up in front of the SuperTarget in Leesburg and said, "No one would attack Target today!" The officers came from all over the area to give shopping sprees to 60 children for the holidays. (Allison Braund)

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"We're having fun!" said Angie Rogers, who shopped with Sheriff's Deputy Vanessa Wick. (Allison Braund)

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Jenny, 15, and Skylar Holmgrain, 6, bought games to play with their terminally ill father. (Allison Braund)

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Eddie Queen deliberates over his purchases, as Officer Paul Kakol watches. (Allison Braund)

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The FOP worked with guidance counselors from Loudoun's elementary schools to identify children for the Santa Cop program, based on the children's financial situations.

"People like that are the reason we do Santa Cop," said Ian Griffiths, president of the FOP of Loudoun.

This Christmas, many children may have to go without toys and presents and even meals because of the suffering economy. Loudoun County food banks and charities, such as the Loudoun Holiday Coalition, fear that they may run out of supplies for the first time ever.

In this environment, the Santa Cop program was eager to help. It even expanded the number of children it serves by 10 and included the siblings of the children who were chosen.

"As sad as it is to see the numbers get bigger, we are fortunate to be able to grow with that need," Griffiths said.

During the shopping sprees, the officers were almost as excited as the kids. When the children's charges rang up to more than the allotted amount, many of the officers paid the difference out of their own pockets. The officers see this program as an opportunity for children to learn a positive association with law enforcement.

"Kids are usually afraid of law enforcement," said Senior Deputy Chris Rizzo, who has volunteered with Santa Cop for six years. "This helps them see they can go to us for help."

Meeting the officers in person helps dispel some of the myths about law enforcement that children may learn from television and video games, said Martin Kloeden, director of the Loudoun FOP and a retired sergeant from the Purcellville Police Department.

"Santa Cop is also true therapy for our participating law enforcement officers," Kloeden said, "as so much of their job is stressful, potentially violent and often depressing, especially around the holiday season."

Many of the children were eager to give to others the little they had received. Skylar Holmgrain, 6, wanted to purchase a Nintendo game system so she could play games with her father, who has terminal cancer.

But the kids didn't skimp on themselves, either.

"I got toys, Mommy! Lots and lots of toys!" Eddie Queen shouted as he brandished a light saber.

Tagged: 2008 Holiday Season, christmas, holiday, police

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