Officers team up with kids for Christmas shopping

Clear Lake Police Officer Marc Kappmeyer was reminded in smiles Monday about why he chose a career in law enforcement.

“It’s all about helping the community- that’s why we all do it,” said Kappmeyer as he waited for young students to arrive at Larson’s Mercantile for the annual Shop with a Police Officer event.  Kappmeyer, along with other members of the Police Benevolence Association, helped 20 students from Clear Creek Elementary and 10 from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Elementary School in the two night affair.

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Participants were instructed to choose items they want and need, along with something they would like to give to another.  Each student had a $50 budget, with funds provided by the Benevolence Association, as well as Larson’s Mercantile.

“The kids have a great time and put a good deal of thought into what they would like to be able to give their parents, or another significant person in their lives,” said Sara Puttmann, Student/Family Services coordinator for the Clear Lake School District.

“I think they also feel pride in contributing to the family,” added Kappmeyer.

While some students may have started their shopping experience a little apprehensive, they soon had big smiles on their faces and felt a connection with the police officers and dispatchers who helped them while their parents waited in the front of the store.

“It’s great to be in a setting with the students that isn’t scary.  We all have fun together,” said Kappmeyer.  “We get to show we are people, too.  Not scary police officers.”

Again this year members of the local Rotary Club sponsored gift wrapping for the kids along with pizza at Clear Lake Bank & Trust following their shopping experience.

Billion Ford also donated large stockings filled with toiletries for each family.  Billion Ford title clerk Alice Nurre handmade each stocking, which was then stuffed with the gifts by officers’ wives.

Scribbins Dentistry donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to include in the stockings.

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