A year of hard work culminates this weekend for members of St. Clair Shores Cops for Kids.

After raising funds from events such as the Red Wings-Lakeview alumni hockeya dinner cruise on Ovation and Chili Wars, along with donations from individuals and businesses - including Dan Hauser of Superior Car Wash who donated $1,804 from car washes this past month -  officers were joined by volunteers Friday at Kmart to shop for toys and other items for families in need in St. Clair Shores.

The purchases were then taken to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, where volunteers were to gather, wrap and distribute the care packages Saturday for 74 families and 205 children in need in St. Clair Shores.

While the program has grown to a large, year-around effort, Cops for Kids had humble beginnings 37-years-ago by police officers John St. Germane and Fred Marengo. The officers responded to a call to a home on Christmas and found the children did not have any presents.

The officers went to their homes and brought gifts back to the house which began a tradition of helping families in need throughout the year in St. Clair Shores.