Wilmington police gift local kids $100 Christmas shopping spree through Santa Cop program

Naomi Rebolledo, 11, said Christmas shopping is harder than she thought. 

"I feel like shopping should be easy, but no, it's hard," she said. "There's too many decisions to make."

She browsed the shelves carefully at Walmart on Monday morning, perhaps overthinking which items to add to her cart, which Wilmington Police Department Det. Cardiellea Barksdale pushed from isle to isle.

With her phone open to the notes app, Barksdale tediously made a list of each item Rebolledo placed delicately into the cart and its price before she, inevitably, removed it and replaced it with something "way cooler."

Rebolledo was one of 30 kids who weaved through the store, filling their carts with toys, new clothes, art supplies and candy, as part of the 31st annual Santa Cop program sponsored by the Wilmington Police Department. Each child was paired with an officer and given $100 for their Christmas shopping spree. 

Last year, the event was modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic — instead of shopping with kids, officers shopped alone with wish lists in hand before wrapping and delivering presents to local children.

Related reading:COVID-19 didn't stop Wilmington's Santa Cop

But this year, the event returned to normal.

"Seeing the kids' faces is the best part for me, just seeing them smile," Barksdale said. "If we can come in and give them an opportunity to have a decent Christmas, that's really nice."

This year's event took place in two parts — with the first group of 30 kids participating on Friday, Dec. 17, and 30 more on Monday. The annual program is made possible by donations from local businesses, individuals and organizations, and school counselors recommend children to participate based on their needs.

While some of the kids spent their money in less than 15 minutes, Rebolledo took her time, considering each purchase with care. 

She finally made her way to the register with her selections: A new quarter-zip hoodie, a festive sweater to wear on Christmas Day, a 3D puzzle, two toys for her "bestie," a card game, and a gingerbread village decorating kit she plans to complete with her sisters and cousins.  

"I can't wait to make this," she said, almost to herself, as she gave the kit to the cashier.

For some kids, this was an opportunity for them to get Christmas presents they may otherwise have missed out on this year. 

Eric Hinson, 10, said he had fun filling up his cart with whatever he wanted. His favorite toy, he said, was a tie between a Power Rangers sword and a WWE championship belt.

Jodi Hinson, Eric's mother, said she had been out of work for six weeks and was released recently after spending three weeks in the hospital.

"I can't afford Christmas this year," Hinson said. "So it's nice that he's still able to get what he wants."

Officer Lynn Hartley was paired with Eric Hinson for Monday's event and said she's participated in the Santa Cop program for the past several years. She enjoys getting to interact with kids and families in the community she serves. 

"Sometimes kids don't always have the opportunity to have gifts and stuff under the tree, and this is just a great opportunity to get to know the kids and let them feel more comfortable with us," Hartley said. 

Officer E. King said she spent six years as a teacher and was excited this program provided an opportunity for officers to connect with youth in the community. 

"I'm honored, thankful and blessed to be a part of this," King said.