A very grinchy good deed

In Lake County, there’s always been a purposeful connection between the police department and the schools. Since this is the time of year when magical things happen, Mimi would like to shed light on a very special initiative of cheer that brings together local police officers, students from Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools and needy families.

Organized by the Eastlake Police Department, the Shop with a Cop program has been running for five years and is staffed by volunteer officers. Each year, five students from Jefferson Elementary and five students from Longfellow Elementary take part. 

According to Jefferson Principal Candace Platt, “Officers pick up the students in a limo and take them to Walmart, where each is given a budget to buy gifts for their families. After shopping, they return to the station for dinner and to wrap the presents, helped by North High School volunteers. The program is designed to build positive relationships and support the community.”

This year, in an effort to raise more funds for Shop with a Cop, Officer McGrath came up with the idea for a badge design contest. 

One hundred badges were produced, and after reviewing and voting, the department selected third-grader Kalli’s colorful and fun design, which stars the Grinch, as this year’s winner. Officers surprised Kalli and her classmates with the news, and she received her own badge along with keepsakes for her family.

Officers will wear the badges throughout the month of December.

Officer Koehnle, Eastlake Middle School’s Student Resource Officer, organized the contest and helped make this experience meaningful for the students. The department raised $950 and plans to expand the contest next year to include even more young artists.

“Special thanks to Officer McGrath for his vision, Officer Koehnle and Mayor Overstreet for his generous personal donation to cover the production cost of the PVC badges,” says Principal Platt.

It’s enough to make a Grinchy heart grow three sizes.

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. For details, visit WESchools.org.