Giving spirit abounds in Harmar's 'Shop with a Cop' event

About 80 children from Harmar participated Saturday in the third annual “Shop with a Cop” event organized by township police.

Each child had about $100 to spend, courtesy of the Target store in Harmar. Many of the children thought of others before themselves.

“Many of them bought things for other people and not themselves,” said police Chief Jason Domeratz. “Some of the kids bought gloves for officers. It was something.”

Harmar police worked with teachers and others to identify eligible children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Township officers accompanied participating children as they made their way around the store Saturday.

In addition to covering the cost of gifts, Target also provided food for the children. First Commonwealth Bank also bought scarves for each of the children, and Allegheny Valley volunteer firefighters arranged for Santa Claus to visit. Santa also brought some treats.

Target store director Jamie Zyroll said she impressed by the giving spirit of the participating children.

“Some of the children bought things for mom and dad. This year we had some kids buying something for a neighbor or a little friend, and some bought toys that they said they were going to donate to Toys for Tots or that type of program,” Target store director Jamie Zyroll said.

“We love it,” Zyroll said. “It’s nice to see.”