Date of Release: December 9, 2014
The West Covina Police Officers Association (WCPOA), in conjunction with the West Covina Police Department, the Los Angeles County Probation Department and the Target Store at The Heights will be hosting “Shop with a Cop” on Thursday, December 11, 2014. The WCPOA selected 11 local children to take Christmas shopping at Target located at 2370 S. Azusa Avenue, West Covina. The event will start at 7:45 A.M.
The children were pre-selected based on their needs and challenges this Christmas season. Some of the children’s parents lost jobs earlier in the year while others are struggling to make ends meet. Some of the requests on the children’s wish lists include soap, shampoo, toothbrush, school supplies, and warm clothing. A West Covina Police Officer accompany each child as they shop, assisting the children with their selections to make the child’s Christmas enjoyable. Children will also enjoy a surprise visit from Santa Claus who will be present during the event.
Among the 11 children participating, four are siblings whose family owned restaurant recently burned down. Each Christmas, Scottie’s Family Restaurant in Whittier would open their doors to the homeless and community to provide food and toys to the less fortunate. The fire removed the family’s only source of income. Related story:
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/general-news/20141020/fire-at-scottys-family-restaurant-in-whittier-causes-300000-in-damage
In addition, 2 special guests will be assisting with the event. Sister’s Joselyn Ramirez and Leslie Ramirez will be assisting the Officers shopping with the selected kids. Joselyn and Leslie lost their parents in a traffic accident August 12, 2012 on the 134 Freeway in Eagle Rock. The Ramirez sisters were among the children selected to Shop with a Cop in 2012. They are now returning to give back to the community by participating in this year’s event. Related story: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/08/eagle-rock-crash-family-identified.html
Red Robin of West Covina will host a luncheon for the children immediately following the event.
The following companies and organizations are some of the sponsors for this Holiday season event:
- West Covina Police Association
- West Covina Police Department
- LA County Probation Department
- Target – The Heights ($1000.00 grant)
- Plaza West Covina ($1000.00 donation)
- Freddie Mac’s Inc (Towing Co - $300.00 donation)
- Lee Burwell Family ($300.00 donation)
- Don and Jennifer Fernald ($400.00 donation)
- Red Robin Restaurant of West Covina (Lunch sponsor for officers and children)
Any media related inquiries, please call 626 523-4031.
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Information released by:
West Covina Police Department
Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez
1444 West Garvey Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
626 939-8500
Web: www.wcpd.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WestCovinaPD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCovinaPD
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