The Fort Wayne Police Department, alongside the Fraternal Order of Police Indiana Wayne Lodge 14, brought holiday joy to the community with its annual Kops for Kids event at the Dupont Road Meijer on Tuesday. The event, a long-standing tradition, pairs police officers with children for a day of shopping and festive cheer.
Bridging Gaps in the Community
Sofia Rosales-Scatena, President of Lodge 14, emphasized the significance of the initiative.
“Really what this is, we are helping the community. We’ve bridged the gaps of people that are falling through the cracks,” said Rosales-Scatena.
The program collaborates with organizations like the Parkview Cancer Institute and the YWCA, as well as relies on officer referrals to identify families in need.
A Special Budget for Each Child
Each child received a $150 budget, allowing them to purchase items they need or want. From toys to essentials like clothing, the children were guided through the store by police officers, who ensured they made the most of their shopping experience.
“It’s not just about the gifts,” noted one officer. “It’s about creating a connection and showing these kids that we’re here for them in more ways than one.”
A Day of Positivity for Officers
The event is as meaningful for the officers as it is for the children. Rosales-Scatena highlighted the emotional impact on law enforcement personnel who often face the darker side of community life.
“We see so much negativity through the year, we’re there for people’s traumas, we’re there for the bad things. This is an event where we can come out, open our hearts, and feel safe doing that,” she shared.
The tradition has grown over the years, with an increasing number of officers eager to participate.
Holiday Spirit and Growing Hearts
Rosales-Scatena added a festive touch by likening the officers’ experience to a scene from The Grinch.
“We really enjoy doing this because, like the Grinch, our hearts grow three sizes this day, and that is total truth and honesty in that statement,” she said, smiling.
As the children and officers laughed and shopped, the event served as a reminder of the powerful bond between the police and the community they serve.
