Westmoreland Co. Police Officers Spread Holiday Cheer To Local Kids
IRWIN (KDKA) -- Officers in Westmoreland County were out Wednesday to spread some holiday cheer. But instead of patrolling the streets, they patrolled store aisles with some children in need.
It was Shop With a Cop Day 2015.
One would think with all the police officers around, a traffic jam of shopping carts wouldn't be a problem at the Walmart in Irwin. But it was, and it was beautiful.
"It's great to do this. The police officers are excited, the children are excited," said Trooper Stephen Limani, of Pennsylvania State Police. "We've taken nearly 300 kids shopping this year."
At Shop With a Cop events, law enforcement from around Westmoreland County were on patrol in the aisles; their partners, kids, who've had it hard or could use a break in life, picking up what they want for under the tree.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
"These kids are great. This boy here is awesome," said Deputy Bill Lane, of the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Department.
With a kind heart and soul enormous as his stature, Deputy Lane shopped with young Keegan Martin, who loves the "Minions."
Tesslyn Shades filled her cart as well.
"I got a Barbie; she rides a bike," she said of her toys.
None of this would be possible without donations.
"We've raised around $50,000 for this year's contributions," said Trooper Lane.
This year, golf legend Arnold Palmer hit a hole in one with an incredibly gift to keep Shop With a Cop going for years to come.
"He said that he didn't want me to save any of the money, he wants me to go broke like I always do, and he was going to provide a $50,000 sustainability grant," Trooper Limani said.
Although he'd never admit it, Trooper Limani is the driving force behind this event. His tireless efforts make all the holiday joy possible.
"I'm the luckiest person alive to go around with these people to do this. It warms my heart. I'm beyond words," said Trooper Limani.
