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Clinton Kids & Cops Shopping
Local law enforcement officers invaded Wal-Mart the first week of August, but they weren’t after the bad guys. They were shopping for new back-to-school clothes and supplies with many of Clinton County’s disadvantaged children. The Clinton Kids & Cops program is a local, non-profit organization that helps Clinton County’s most needy children start the new school year out on even footing with their peers. “Most of us take our children back-to-school shopping each year and never think anything about it. That’s just what we do,” says Julie Adams, Community Education Coordinator for the Clinton County Department of Job and Family Services. “Not every family can afford to do that, though. That’s where Clinton Kids & Cops steps in. Every child deserves new crayons and a new outfit. All children should be able to start the new school year feeling good about themselves.” This year, officers from the Sabina Police Department, the Blanchester Police Department, the Wilmington Police Department, the New Vienna Police Department and the Clinton County Sheriff's Office shopped with over 200 very excited children, helping pick out back-packs, crayons, blue-jeans and much more. The children recognized many of the officers from their neighborhoods or their schools. One particular favorite with the kids was local D.A.R.E. officer, Deputy Connie Roberts. They didn’t hesitate to let her know that they remembered much of what she has taught them over the years about saying no to drugs. According to Deputy Roberts, “These kids are so great. They are polite and so appreciative of what they get. I wish we had more money to spend on them. It’s hard to set a limit when you see how excited they get about getting new stuff.” The program spends $50 per child. “Fifty dollars doesn’t seem like a lot. Usually the kids can get all of their supplies and one outfit or a new pair of shoes,” says Gina Speaks-Eshler, School Social Work Supervisor for Children Services. “But when we shop with a family with five or six children, that can be the difference of a whole paycheck to some of these families. That’s awesome.” Donations to Clinton Kids & Cops can be sent to : Clinton Kids & Cops, Clinton County Child Protection Unit, 1025 S. South Street, Suite 300, Wilmington, OH 45177. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about the program, please call 937-382-5935.
