Emma Enrique is a McCall Elementary School fourth grader who had the chance to go on a Christmas shopping spree with Waukegan police officer Berenice Ventura over the weekend, with the opportunity to buy $100 in toys or games for herself.
But Emma saw a different opportunity. She went Christmas shopping for her three brothers and her sister.
“This year, we’re not going to be able to have a lot, and I want to make sure they have some of their favorite things,” she said. “I got one brother his favorite (toy) car, and a doll for my sister,” she added, as she continued to shop.
Enrique was one of 87 Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 students selected to participate in the Waukegan Police Department’s 16th-annual Shop With a Cop event Saturday at Walmart in Waukegan, designed for children who earn the chance to participate.
Sgt. Alejos Villalobos is in his 16th year of organizing the event. He said Shop With a Cop is for preschool through fifth graders. They are selected by school administrators and social workers based on their attendance, academic effort and need factors.
“These are kids whose families are in financial need, or who could use a boost,” Villalobos said.
Each officer — between 45 and 50 donated their time this year — has $100 to spend on each child. Villalobos said when they encounter someone like Emma, they often dip into their own pocket to help the youngster pick out more.
“When they see a kid going for necessities like socks, pajamas or blankets, they’ll go into their own pocket to help,” he said. “They make sure they get to the toy aisles, too.”
Jocely Figueroa, Emma’s mother, said she was glad her daughter and a son, Jay’ceon Brown, a kindergartener, had the chance to participate. She enjoyed watching the youngsters, was thankful for their opportunity and surprised by her daughter’s generosity.
“She’s always been like that,” Figueroa said. “She always puts other people before herself.”
Officer Berenice Ventura was the member of the police department pushing the shopping cart for Emma and Jay’ceon. Ventura was touched when she realized what Emma was doing, and helped the girl select gifts.
“My heart feels for her,” Ventura said, “She’s made it a giving experience. She’s made it a true Christmas experience.”
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham was walking through the store, watching the children and police officers on their shopping spree. He, too, was touched when he learned what Emma was doing for her family.
“Her awareness of the needs of other people for a child of her age, or even older, is remarkable,” Cunningham said, “She is showing her family what Christmas is about. She is demonstrating the good in our community.”
Nadio Acosta was watching her children — North Elementary School students Jaden and Deliliah — walking through aisles of the toy section with a police officer. She was pleased with the opportunity.
“Things have been more of a struggle this year,” Acosta said. “This is helping our kids, and it’s helping our family.”
Police Chief Edgar Navarro, who took a youngster shopping, said the day does not end with the shopping spree. The families are taken to People’s Choice Family Fun Center for a pizza lunch and some games. There was also a surprise for them when they arrived.
“Most Blessed Trinity brought 100 new winter coats to the police station,” Navarro said. “We’re giving them out at lunch. They’re all new.”
The Rev. Tim O’Malley, the pastor of Most Blessed Trinity, said Monday, providing winter coats for people is a regular practice at both the food pantry and soup kitchen. He was impressed when he learned about Emma’s generosity.
“Kids are touched at the heart and continue to find ways to help others,” O’Malley said. When kids support us with their service, it touches the heart.”
Villalobos said the police officers donate some of the $13,000 to buy the gifts, and the rest is raised from members of the community. Walmart has made its space available for all 16 years of the event. The store also provides snacks and beverages for the participants.
Walmart store manager Rolando Sanchez said the annual Shop With a Cop event has become a holiday tradition for the store. Employees help serve the snacks and offer assistance throughout the morning.
“It’s important for us to be involved with the community,” he said.