By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Jayden Ashford has always looked up to police and firefighters, admiring videos of officers playing basketball or getting excited for the chance to see firetrucks and squad cars up close, his mother said.
On Saturday, the 5-year-old got another treat from the men in blue when an officer led him on a gift-buying mission down the aisles of Target on East State Street.
Without the officers’ support, Aisha Ashford said she couldn’t afford toys for her son this year.
Now, “he got what he wanted and didn’t have to hear me say ‘no’ or ‘put it back,'” she said.
Jayden was among 100 kids who got to pick out Christmas toys, games or other things they need thanks to the Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit 6, the union that represents Rockford officers.
“The community should get together and do something for them, to let them know that we appreciate them and what they do,” Ashford said. “It’ doesn’t always have to be a bad interaction every time we see them.”
The event is done in partnership with Target’s “Heroes & Helpers” program.
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Detective Kaera Watson, who organizes the event with Sgt. Jason Dobran, said it is as rewarding for the officers as it is exciting for the children.
“Just the pure joy on the kids’ faces, that’s why I do it. It’s so worth it,” she said. “Especially with 100 kids, you just leave here so full.”
The police union works with Rockford schools to identify families in need and invite them to participate. Each child gets $100 to spend, but often officers can’t help but add a bit of their own money to make sure a child gets everything they need, said Vince Kelly, president of the PB & PA Unit 6.
“You can see the officers digging in their own pockets and invariably, they’re giving more because they’re not going to tell a kid no,” Kelly said. “We’ve got officers out here working the night shift. The’ve been up for 15 hours and still coming to do this, getting in their own pockets, bringing their own family, their own kids, and they love it.”
Officers also relish the chance to interact with kids in a positive atmosphere, instead of the often stressful environment that comes with police being called after a crisis.
“This is an actual time when we’re showing up and they’re actually looking forward to seeing us,” Dobran said. “It’s a really good experience that brings a smile to their face.”
Laurie Cherry also appreciated the chance for her grandchildren, Kaylee Sistrunk, 6, and Khalil White, 7, to have a positive experience with police.
“Everybody always has a slanted view about the police, so it’s a good way to let them see that there are good police out there, and I believe it, too,” Cherry said.
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This is the 27th year that police have worked with Rockford schools to identify families in need. Officers may also identify a family after responding to a call.
“We had several families, this is their first time in the country,” Dobran said. “The parents literally cry, they’re like, ‘we couldn’t give our kids this Christmas.’ Getting them clothes and anything they want, it makes their year.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.