Huntington Beach police take needy kids on shopping spree

Twenty-five students from Huntington Beach were treated to an early holiday experience as they went on a shopping spree courtesy of local law enforcement.

The Huntington Beach Police Department, Police and Community Foundation and Police Officers’ Assn. presented the city’s first Shop with a Cop event on Tuesday at the Target store at Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue.

Each child was given $200 in gift cards donated by the foundation and Anthony Nobles, a Huntington Beach resident and philanthropist, to use at Target that morning on toys, video games, clothes or whatever they wanted. They were escorted by officers from the Police Department, who kept tabs on what they were buying.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to make a difference for these kids today, but it’s also a great opportunity for us to make a difference for the rest of their lives and how they view police,” Police Chief Robert Handy said.

The 25 students are from schools in the Huntington Beach City, Ocean View and Westminster school districts and were chosen by the Police Department based on recommendations given by each school, Handy said.

“Some of these kids are living out of cars,” he said. “There’s really some true need here, which a lot of people in Huntington Beach don’t see. There’s pockets of need throughout this community, but our officers see it every day. So for them to have an opportunity to help and make a difference is tremendous.”

Nobles, known for putting together extravagant Halloween parties at the Sunset Beach Community Center each year, said he has contributed to Fountain Valley’s Shop with a Cop events for years and was compelled to start a similar program in Huntington Beach.

He said he bought one girl cookware, silverware, plates, a sofa and other amenities for her family when he found out she was trying to buy those items with the $200 given to her Tuesday morning.

“Let’s give these kids a merry Christmas and put a smile on their face,” he said.

Sgt. Jonathan Haught spent his morning with Anthony Gonzalez, a 9-year-old from Oak View Elementary School, as they perused the clothing and toy sections. Anthony buzzed around the store, first looking at clothes, then running to the selection of Shopkins toys and finally contemplating whether he should buy Lego models.

“It makes you feel good, and in light of everything that’s going on in law enforcement these days, we’re given the chance to connect with somebody and do something positive,” Haught said.

Around the corner from Haught was Officer Anthony Guiliani, who spent his time escorting Marshall Owens Jr., 10, who attends Village View Elementary.

Marshall was accompanied by his younger brother and their father, Marshall Owens. Marshall Jr. filled his cart with Pokemon cards, a soccer ball and cleats.

“It feels good, and it’s definitely appreciated,” the elder Owens said. “It’s really good that they’re doing this for the kids.”

On the other side of the store were Officer Angela Bennett and 7-year-old Leila Ramirez, who attends Peterson Elementary. Bennett was pushing a cart full of clothes and toys that Leila had picked out for herself, her sister and her mother. Leila was skipping along at Bennett’s side.

“Did you decide if we’re BFFs [best friends forever] still, or did we change our mind?” Bennett asked Leila.

“We’re BFFs!” Leila replied.