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Kids go shopping with officers
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
Among the first items in Devonte’ Clay’s shopping cart were a book bag and hat bearing the logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers, his favorite team, but what he’s most thankful for didn’t fit so easily in the cart.
“I’m grateful that I still am allowed to have my family,” the McGuffey Elementary School sixth-grader said.
It was in that spirit that Devonte’ eagerly selected a variety of gifts that also included clothing and shoes during Saturday’s annual Shop with a Cop holiday shopping expedition at Kmart, 1209 Boardman-Poland Road.
Hosting the gathering was the Youngstown-based Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 28.
Devonte’ was one of about 35 Youngstown City Schools students in grades four to six who took part in the program, which also was aimed at strengthening bonds between the youngsters and police officers, noted Rick Alli, FOP Lodge 28’s president.
In addition, the event was to boost the children’s self-esteem, allow them to better see and get to know law-enforcement personnel in a nonthreatening manner and help them promote decision-making and responsibility, organizers said.
To be eligible, the students had to make the honor roll during the first grading period, maintain perfect attendance and have no discipline problems at school, Alli explained, noting that each student was able to spend up to $100.
Also with Devonte’ was Jalaziah Everson, a McGuffey fifth-grader who selected a Monster High kit, which consists of a series of dolls inspired mainly by monster and science-fiction movies.
Jalaziah also outlined her holiday plans, which included reaching beyond herself.
“I’ll wake up and open my presents and probably go to my aunt’s house or one family member’s house, and I might buy my grandma some things,” she added.
Accompanying Jalaziah and Devonte’ was Art Thompson, a six-year deputy with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department.
“Giving back is something I love to do,” Thompson said. “Any positive reinforcement you can do day in and day out is good.”
It was easy to tell that Malik Rowe is a big World Wrestling Entertainment fan. His cart filled with a toy wrestling ring and several WWE action figures such as Royal Rumble told the story.
“I [also] hope to get an Xbox 1 and get my sister a gift and my younger brother toys,” added the Harding Elementary School fourth-grader, who also bought one pair each of gloves and boots.
Wrestling also was the theme of some of the items that filled Jasmine Gionfriddo’s cart. Other merchandise the Harding sixth-grader picked out included a candle, a pair of shoes and replicas of Sin Cara and Big E, both of which are professional wrestling characters.
Happy to shop with both youngsters was Malik Mostella, who’s been with the Youngstown Police Department 15 years.
“We do our best to help out any way we can,” said Mostella, adding that he’s participated in several Shop with a Cop efforts.
Other gifts the youngsters selected included a skateboard, a box of crayons, an electric drum set, dolls, a pair of shorts and a crock pot.
Even though they had the opportunity to choose the items they wanted most, the majority of the youngsters found pleasure in doing something to brighten the holidays for others, Alli observed.
“A lot of them are buying gifts for other people and that makes us proud” he added.