Johnston Police Take 31 Kids On Holiday Shopping Trip

JOHNSTON, IA — For some children who had no means of getting presents for their family for Christmas this year, the Johnston Police Department stepped in with a special holiday shopping night on Tuesday. The second annual event was held at the Grimes Walmart store.

The Blue Dragon Program pairs police officers with area children to shop, have a meal and enjoy an evening of fun. This year 31 kids went on the holiday gift hunt with an officer. Each was given $125 to buy presents. That's up from 21 children reached in 2016 and $110 to spend per child.

The department raised the money through donations and grants. The program allows uniformed officers to build relationships with the children as they shop, according to department members.

“For me and many other members of the department, this program is more than just a shopping event,” Officer Dan Steck said in a story on the city's website. “This program is about building positive relationships with children one-on-one and being able to put a smile on their face this holiday.

"Our department is continually focused on building relationships with our youth and this program is just another way we demonstrate this. We want those children to know they can come to us, should they ever need help," Steck said. "And, the laughter and fun both of us have while shopping is priceless.”

The children who participated in the program were selected through the Johnston schools. They were treated to dinner and shopping, and their gifts were wrapped by Walmart employees.

Photos via City of Johnston; see more photos on the city's website.