Shores Businesses and Groups Support Cops for Kids

Through the years families of the Men’s Auxiliary have served the country, and now their relatives are continuing the tradition.

During the past year the Men’s Auxiliary, whose relatives served in the military, have held a number of fundraisers for a variety of organizations including Cops for Kids.

This year the organization donated $2,000 to Cops for Kids, which will used to purchase food and presents for families in St. Clair Shores.

“One of the things we like about (Cops for Kids) is all the money raised stays here in St. Clair Shores,” said Allen Galdys, president of the Men’s Auxiliary. “This is one of our annual donations … it is a given.”

The donation was one of many made by local groups, businesses and individuals to Cops for Kids, which uses funds to purchase toys, food and other items for up to 120 families in St. Clair Shores.

While program has grown to a large, year-around effort, Cops for Kids had humble beginnings 36-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.

“This organization wouldn’t  function without the support of the community,” said officer Bill Reiss. “This has been a tradition with these individuals helping us out."

Businesses including , , , and are also annual contributors. Events such as , a and a with the Ghoul also raise funds for the organization.

Then there are others, such as Superior Shine car wash, which surprised the organization with a donation.

Al Hauser, and his son Dan, presented a check for $1,400 Tuesday to Cops for Kids. The car wash business held a special fundraiser where $1 from the sale of the each top wash package was donated to Cops for Kids.

With these funds, members of the organization will shop for the families Friday. The toys and items for the families who receive the care packages will wrapped Saturday morning at . Families will then pickup their packages later in the day.

Individuals or groups interested in volunteering for the wrapping can arrive at Assumption by 8 a.m. Saturday.