By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
After picking out shoes, socks and underwear, 11-year-old Tyson spotted a Carhartt sweatshirt and tried it on for size.
The Kenwood Elementary fifth grader put the sweatshirt in the cart and announced, “I got everything I need.”
“Then let’s get something you want,” responded Bowling Green Police Officer Bobby Romstadt, who had teamed up with Tyson for the annual Cops and Kids Holiday Shopping at Meijer in Bowling Green on Saturday.
Tyson made sure to swerve the shopping cart to avoid the Barbies and baby doll aisle. Top on his toy list were Legos, but he ended up zeroing in on a Rubik’s cube for himself. Romstadt continued the search for Legos, when Tyson suggested a change in course.
“I want to get my aunt something,” the boy said, explaining that he lives with his aunt. Tyson decided that she might like a candle – which set the boy and the police officer in pursuit of one that smelled good.
After sniffing several scented candles, eliciting grimaces and groans from both males, Tyson settled on a pleasant vanilla creme candle.
That left just $6 for Tyson to spend on himself on his shopping spree. Romstadt redirected the shopping cart away from groceries, explaining to Tyson that his family will be getting boxes of food as they leave the store.
Dan Van Vorhis, who organizes the annual shopping event for the Wood County Fraternal Order of Police, said it’s typical for the children to spend their shopping money on necessities and other family members.
Many pick up presents for their siblings, or “sadly enough,” spend money on hygiene products and underwear.
“They’re not used to spending money on themselves,” Van Vorhis said.
For Tyson, who participates in football and wrestling, new tennis shoes were at the top of his wish list. After trying on several pairs, Tyson and Romstadt found the perfect fit.
“Those are pretty sweet,” Romstadt said about the Adidas shoes. “I’d get them if I could, but they probably don’t have my size.”
Next on the fifth grader’s list was socks, with Tyson quickly choosing “Spongebob Squarepants” socks before throwing in some more traditional pairs. Then came the underwear, followed by a question from the police officer.
“Do you want any fun stuff?”
But the sensible Carhartt sweatshirt caught Tyson’s eye first.
At the same time on Saturday morning, Bowling Green Police Officer Amber Moomey was matched up with 4-year-old Natalie for the holiday shopping. The shopping cart had several clothing items – all various shades of purple – Natalie’s favorite color.
The two were headed over the toy aisles, looking for “anything squishy.”
Meanwhile, BGPD Major Justin White was teamed up with a 4½-year-old boy who needed boots, clothing and pajamas, and who lived with his grandparents.
“What he really wanted was a dinosaur,” White said. They were able to find a dinosaur, a remote control car and a Playdough dump truck.
“It was pretty cool. I’d play with it if I was a kid,” White said of the truck.
In addition to providing gifts for families in need, the annual event is designed to let children see a side of law enforcement that they may not be exposed to, Van Vorhis said.
“This is more than just about shopping. It is about building a positive relationship between the kids and officers,” he said.
This year, 185 children were signed up for the shopping, last weekend at Meijer in Rossford, and this weekend in Bowling Green. Law enforcement officers arrived to help from all over Wood County, plus some from outside the county.
“It’s kind of cool on a Saturday that they all come out,” Van Vorhis said.
The majority of the financial support comes from donations from the community, local businesses and local organizations. Every dollar raised is spent on the kids, Van Vorhis stressed.
The children who are invited to participate are referred by the local schools as well as from the police officers. On a daily basis, police officers are responding to calls in homes where they can see firsthand that a particular family could benefit from a helping hand, Van Vorhis said.
The Wood County Firemen’s Association provided food boxes for the families.
This year, the children were also assisted in wrapping the gifts they purchased. “It’s a new experience for most of them,” Van Vorhis said.
