You might have seen extra Cranston Police Officers respond to the Plainfield Pike Walmart on Saturday afternoon. There was no crime yet there was a lot of caring.

Last Saturday, members of the Cranston Police Department, including the Chief of Police, Colonel Michael J. Winquist, joined local children at the Cranston Police Department Community Room for pizza and snacks followed by some holiday shopping at the Walmart for the Shop With A Cop day.

During this special shopping event, 20 families in need had their shopping time.

This event, like the Cranston Police Gives Back event (which was held the day before) provides disadvantaged children with the chance of making their season better. Children are selected on the basis of their family income and circumstances with the assistance of CCAP and Beat the Odds Lifestyle. Each child was paired with a uniformed officer and was given more than $100 to shop for themselves and to spend on gifts for their family members if they wanted.

“We were thrilled to take part in ‘Shop with a Cop’ again this season. We were looking forward to the opportunity to talk with the kids about caring, giving, and fellowship; and we hope to come away with a connection and experience that we otherwise would not have the opportunity to create,” Captain Justin Dutra, of the Department’s Office of Community Outreach.

“This is a truly positive way to make a lasting connection in the lives of our youngest citizens,” said Dutra.

Cranston Police Officer Brian Corvese accompanied a mom and her three children to shop. Focusing on one child is hard, but three was a challenge.

Corvese helped to keep track of funds and to help the kids find what they were looking for. There were smiles and laughs across the store.

“You know this is my favorite event every year, All of us enjoy giving back to the community we serve,” said Chief Winquist. “I want to thank all of our sponsors who generously donated food, money and even transportation and I would also like to thank the officers who volunteered. To see the smile on all the kids faces, make it all worthwhile.”

Shopping with Officer Corvese were Danielle Broccoli and her three children, Leah, age 12, Giovanni, age 9 and Alessandro, age 3.

They each wanted to shop in different area yet mainly shopped for toys or electronics.

“This was fun,” said Leah Broccoli, 12. She was sure to check the make-up aisle and similar products.

As it was the last Saturday Shopping Day before Christmas it was a bit hectic. Screeches of laughter and excitement were heard from the children enjoying shopping.

The surprise of the day came when they tallied up all the purchases.

The police had $2,600 in Walmart gift cards, but the total amount spent was nearly $3,500. The officers and a few kindhearted shoppers who just happened to be shopping at the same time covered the balance.

“It is always a satisfying day of the year for me as a police officer,” said Officer Corvese.

 Recently, Colonel Winquist expanded the department’s Community Outreach Unit adding a Sergeant and Officer to the unit.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)