It’s been a difficult year for Seiko Douglas.
Seiko started third grade at a new school – Freedom Park Elementary School – and acclimating to a new school and new friends has been a transition for him, said his mom, Ranicea Douglas.
“He’s just having a tough year, and it was important for him to have something to make him feel special,” she said.
Seiko was one of 30 third graders to be selected for the annual “Shop with a Cop” – a shopping experience with Richmond County School System’s police officers on Dec. 21 at the Walmart on Wrightsboro Road.
The officers and children met in the home and garden section. Each child was paired with an officer, and it wasn’t long before they’d reached their $100 spending limit and headed to the register.
Seiko was unsure of what to choose at first, looking at several toys before putting them back. His mom said he’s the type of child who doesn’t ask for a lot for himself.
In the end, he chose the Lankybox Giant Cyborg Mystery Box Surprise, a Naruto action figure, a mini nerf gun and a Dragon Ball Z action figure, coming in under his budget.
Chief Mantrell Wilson, Director of Public Safety, said the event is a way to provide positive interaction between public safety and the students.
“We try to take the opportunity to allow kids to see us in a different light,” he said.
Some students only see the officers when they are coming to get a student out of class for disciplinary reasons, he said.
Each Richmond County elementary school selected one third grader to participate in the program which is funded through donations including some made by the officers themselves, Wilson said. Children do not apply to participate, and selection is not based on financial need. It’s up to the school to pick a deserving student.
Wilson said seeing the children and bringing them joy is a heartwarming experience.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here
