St. Croix County (WQOW) - Whether kids like it or not, their first day of school is right around the corner. For many students, having a new outfit to wear is so important on that first day.
Unfortunately, the money isn't there for many families to spend on new clothes. That's where programs like "Shop with a Cop" come in. It's sponsored by the Salvation Army and helps provide new school clothes for families in need.
"Well, he's been through a lot, my grandson has, and just to see his happy little face," says New Richmond resident, Trudy Gullickson.
Gullickson says, it was that look on her grandson Kohl's face, that made the "Shop with a Cop" experience worth it.
She says, "You don't like people to know, oh... you need help with this or you need help with that. But you know, I guess it doesn't hurt to ask."
Kohl had the chance to pick out clothes, shoes, and even a toy with his own personal shopper, Officer Joe Garden from the Woodville Police Department.
Garden says, "I've got my own son on the way, and it's a good way to get prepared for it."
Last year in St. Croix County there were 25 kids who participated in "Shop with a Cop". This year there were 44. The Salvation Army says unfortunately, because of funding, there were even some they had to turn away.
Duana Bremer, a Social Services Director for the Salvation Army, says,"One of the major things we're looking as an effect for this, and why we're seeing such a huge increase, in demand for services is, you go to the gas pump, gas is probably double from what it was, I mean, maybe not double but it takes a lot of money to fill that gas tank. Food has certainly increased, so I think, our dollar goes less."
Spending time with a police officer is an important part of the program.
"Many of the children we have worked with have maybe had a bad experience with law enforcement. It might not be something they've done, but, it might be that they've witnessed their parents getting arrested. So in their mind, they've got a very bad taste in their mouth. So we thought this would give the children an opportunity to know the police officers are here to protect and serve," says Bremer.
"A lot of time, the gear, the car, everything else they see, all the stuff on our belts, it can be intimidating to kids. And it's good that they see as someone they can come to for help and not someone to be afraid of," says, Garden.
Many of these kids will probably always remember this day, but so will the officers.
Bremer says, "An officer came up to me and said, I shopped with a 12-year-old, it's the first new pair of shoes he has ever had. And the officer looked at me and said, "This just isn't right.""
Polk County also had "Shop with a Cop" day on Thursday. 33 kids received help.
