• Cops For Kids, Who Are They?

You've probably heard about Cops For Kids, but might not be sure what they do. 

I sat down with former Wildomar Chief of Police Dave Fontneau, Executive Director of the group, and learned more about them, a few days away from their biannual fund raiser at Chili's.

What started twenty years ago, by a couple of patrolmen out of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station, who saw a need among some in the underprivileged areas, who then went back to the station and took up a collection, bought gifts and distributed them to kids in need, while on duty, in uniform, from their marked patrol cars, has blossomed into an institution in the area: Cops For Kids. 

From that humble beginning it has grown to full 501c3 non profit, with an executive director and full board of directors (which is comprised of leaders in the community, donating their time). 

In addition to Christmas gifts, Cops For Kids operates year round and do other things including: 
     • Providing clothes for underprivileged children during back to school time.
     • Emergency housing.
     • Transportation to school.
     • There was an example given of supplying the necessary parts to repair the family automobile so that they could get their kids to school.

They also have a senior outreach program where they reach out to seniors during the holidays. People that are nearing the end of their lives with little or no family and are basically shut ins. They sing some Christmas carols, spend some time with them and provide them gifts.

The area served by Cops For Kids stretches from the unincorporated areas north of Lake Elsinore down to Wildomar. It basically mirrors the Lake Elsinore School District boundaries.

Some years they've served over a thousand kids. One year in particular they served over fifteen hundred kids. The events have been so large that they've been held at Storm Stadium in past years. It became so big that it was split into two events.

The excitement of picking out your own toy.

One is Breakfast with Santa (not to be confused with the Breakfast with Santa held at the Wildomar fire station) which is held at Lakeside High School. Typically the culinary arts department prepares the breakfast for the kids and families. 

Happy kids having a great morning.

They get a picture taken with Santa, and a chance to pick out their own gifts from what looks like a toy store, where thousands of toys are on display. 

As Santa listens attentively.

The other is for families that can't make it the breakfast, and they deliver the toys in uniform, in marked patrol vehicles, wearing Santa hats. Last year that number was around 125 homes... which often have more than one child getting gifts. 

How can you contribute?
The key ways are time, money or gifts. They accept new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. Specifically the need is for older children. You can also attend one of their fundraisers. *More about the next one below (Tips For Kids).

How do local kids get on the toy list?
They can be referred through their school, a community member can suggest a candidate family, and families can self refer.

All of the candidates are vetted through the board, to insure that they are truly in need. 

Their key fundraising events include Tips For Kids, which is held at Chili's in Lake Elsinore; which occurs twice a year, in May and in November. Wednesday, November 15th is the next event at Chili's. *More about the event at the end of the blog.

"Nash", the mini police car, is at the Tips For Kids event held at the Lake Elsinore Chili's.

There is an annual golf tournament that is typically held in May at the Dos Lagos Golf Club in Corona. 

Small businesses can participate through their toy drives where a collection box is placed for donations of new unwrapped toys.

The best way to get in touch with Cops For Kids is through their website at this link: Cops For Kids, they also have a facebook page you can visit, Cops For Kids FB page.

While talking to Dave Fonteneau I heard about a group of phone scammers that were claiming to be raising money for Cops For Kids in the Denver area.

Like with ALL charities, you need to make sure you're dealing with the actual representatives of the organization you're seeking to help.

 Caveat Emptor/Buyer Beware.

I've attended Tips For Kids at least four times. Though the restaurant is crowded, and there can be wait times not usual for a weekday evening, it's a fun time —especially for kids. 

They have "Star Cars" in the parking lot and I was happy to see the "Bluesmobile" there last year. They've also had Kit Car from Nightrider, the Delorean from Back to the Future among others.

Looks like Austin Powers stopped by.

One of the greatest Star Cars out there. The only cars that could top it would be the original Batmobile or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. ☺

There are officers on horseback, a jail that you can send your friends to, even elected officials or the officers "on duty" at Chili's. 

Plenty of photo ops for the family.

These horses are so patient with people.

Smiles all around.

If there's a chance you'll be hungry for dinner on Wednesday, November 15th, and you'd be planning to eat out anyway... head over to Chili's. 

Sandi Fandrick, treasurer for Cops For Kids, got sent to the hoosegow.

Remember to bring a few extra sawbucks so that you can have a warrant served for someone's arrest... it's all in fun, and the money goes to a worthy cause. 

•                •                •

Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.
– Albert Einstein

Wildomar Rap thanks all those that donate their time and energy to worthy causes that seek to add joy to the lives of others.