Shop With A Cop brings officers and students together

(Above) Accompanying Jaxon Schroeder on his shopping experience was Jodie McChesney (center) and Police Officer Dean Anderson

Thirty youngsters from Clear Lake and Ventura had the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping for themselves and others at the second annual Shop With a Cop event.  This year the Clear Lake Police Benevolence Association program grew to include students from Ventura, a community which the Clear Lake Police Department also serves.  Over two nights, 20 Clear Lake and 10 Ventura students were accompanied on a shopping trip at Larson’s Mercantile in Clear Lake.

Benevolence fundraisers allowed each child to pick out something they need, something they would like, and something for someone else at Larson’s Mercantile in downtown Clear Lake.   The Benevolence Fund was also impacted by a sizable donation made by the Clear Lake Rotary Club, which had conducted a fundraiser with proceeds directed to the Benevolence Fund in memory of former police chief Rex McChesney.  His wife, Jodie McChesney attended one of the Shop With A Cop nights and said she was touched by the great thought students were putting into their gifts and their excitement to share with others.

Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth said local officers were thrilled to be able to help some of the community’s youngsters.  “Our thanks to Al and Shelly at Larson’s, along with great sponsors. The officers, parents and kids all enjoyed it.  Smiles were everywhere.”

The program was done in partnership with Clear Lake Schools, assisted by Student/Family Services Coordinator Sally Duesenberg, and Larson’s.  Additional sponsors were: Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Wilcox Furniture, Design Studio, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and Kwik Star.

“Building and improving relationships between the police department and the community was important to Chief McChesney and it continues to be emphasized by Chief Roth and the department,” Duesenberg noted.