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Economy Down, Shop with a Cop Up
• Holiday program for needy kids celebrates fourth year
Thursday,
December 17, 2009
This Saturday Margate’s finest police officers, fire rescue workers and other civic volunteers will be taking underprivileged kids shopping at WalMart. After collecting more than $9,000 in donations to purchase gift cards for toys and necessities, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet.
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Kids experiencing tough times are referred to the program by local teachers, guidance counselors and civic organizers. Civic volunteers include those from the local Kiwanis Chapter, St. Vincent’s Church and seniors from the Palm Lakes Condominium complex.
“I call them my angels,” said Margate Police Officer, Tony Carrecia, organizer for the event.
After receiving a gift card in the amount of $100, kids are chaperoned by volunteers one-on-one through the store to buy toys and gifts for loved ones.
“I’m really surprised how many kids use the money to buy things like deodorant and underwear and items they really need,” Carrecia said.
The neighborhood policing head said that in the past cash donations usually amounted to between five and six thousand dollars, but this year one Margate resident, who requested to remain anonymous, dropped off a check for $3,000.
“He came to National Night Out with his kids and was so impressed he wanted to do something nice for the community,” Carrecia said. “We really have a great city here.”
Shop with a Cop takes place Saturday, December 19 starting at 9 a.m. at the Margate Walmart. Carrecia invites all media to attend.
“Such an outpouring of generosity is incredible for a city this size,” Carrecia said. “I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
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