WEST JORDAN, Utah, Dec. 19, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — The Christmas spirit was alive and well Saturday morning as kids in need were treated to breakfast and a shopping spree in West Jordan.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake and Gephardt Daily combined forces to bring the warmth of the holidays to those who could use a little extra help this year.
A total of 48 children and their families enjoyed a hearty breakfast donated by Chick-fil-A at Jordan Landing, where they had a chance to visit with officers from UPD and SLCOSO, along with volunteers and donors. The kids also had the opportunity to meet the new UPD mascot, Sergeant Siren.
After breakfast, the group headed to the Jordan’s Landing’s Old Navy and Famous Footwear stores, which opened an hour early just for the occasion. The children then chose shoes, coats, clothing and boots to see them through the cold winter months ahead.
UPD spokesman Lt. Lex Bell said of the event: “I feel happy. I don’t even know how to describe this. In my career, I’ve never felt this good, as doing this kind of of stuff.
“In this capacity, to go shopping with kids, to do charitable works, to see the looks on their happy faces. When do you get that experience, otherwise? It’s been awesome.
“This is why probably 99 percent of police officers get into the job ─ to help people. That’s what I wanted to do. I love helping people and this an opportunity to do that and influence these men and women in a positive way.”
Monique Mendoza, assistant store director at Chick-fil-A, said seeing the kids come in for breakfast meant a lot to her team.
“On a personal level, it makes me feel grateful for what I have and grateful for the blessings that I’ve gotten,” she said. “I’m grateful I could just come to work and give it back to other people. A lot people haven’t even gone out to eat before, and so just being able to do that for them, and not have them worry about money, it’s just great.”
Trish Chidester, the manager of Old Navy, added: “This is my favorite thing to do. I get to do this every single year with some great organizations. This is a great chance to get in the spirit. This is what Christmas and giving and more importantly about what this community is all about.
“To see these kids, who may not have a lot, come in and be able to get some new clothes for Christmas, a lot of times, they are so open, and so big-hearted that a lot of times, they come in and they want to get something for a sibling or they want to get something for their mom and they don’t actually take all the money for themselves … that’s when I start to tear up, because they get a limited amount of money, but they’re willing to even stretch to those family members who may even have less.”
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