Health & Fitness
St. Louis Police, Target Bring Spirit of Christmas to Big Brothers Big Sisters
The St. Louis Police Foundation and Target teamed up to offer kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) a holiday shopping spree.
Twenty Little Brothers and Sisters got an early Christmas present when the St. Louis Police Foundation and Target teamed up to offer the kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) a holiday shopping spree.
The program, Cops for Kids: Patrolling for Presents, was held Saturday morning, Dec. 3, at the Hampton Avenue Target store. The second annual event provided BBBS Littles with a gift card and an opportunity to make holiday purchases for themselves and their families. The young shoppers were paired with St. Louis city police officers who assisted them in making their gift selections.
Big Sister Chris brought her Little Sister, Tynesha, to the event. Chris said Tynesha had a blast on her shopping spree. “Tynesha is normally very shy, but she immediately felt at ease with the two officers who helped her—they were so warm and friendly,” Chris noted.
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According to Mike Neal, BBBS program coordinator and one of the organizers of the event, kids could choose just about anything they wanted—toys, clothes, games - and their law enforcement partners helped keep a tally of their purchases.
What struck many of the officers at this year’s outing, was just how selfless the kids were when checking items off of their shopping lists. “The kids bought things for their extended families first,” Neal commented, adding, “The officers frequently had to remind the kids to buy something for themselves.”
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Once all purchases were completed, Target team members offered help with gift wrapping. They also hosted a pizza party for all participants.
Adding to the day’s good cheer were appearances by Fredbird, mascot for the St. Louis Cardinals, and Bullseye, the Target store mascot.
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has more than 1,000 children waiting for someone to Be There for them for the holidays—and beyond! For more information on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to get your company or organization involved, contact Vivian Gibson at 314-361-5900 or vgibson@bbbsemo.org! Also, be sure to visit Big Brothers Big Sisters on the web at www.BBBSEMO.org.