Macomb County Students 'Shop with the Sheriff' for Back-to-School Needs

From “cool” backpacks to sweet smelling shampoo, 113 Macomb County children got their back-to-school shopping done with a little help from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department and Central Macomb Optimist Club this past weekend.

It was the Washington Township Meijer that played host to the annual “Shop with the Sheriff” event, with 45 local families benefiting from this year's shopping spree.

Partnered with a member of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department or reserves, each child had the opportunity to shop for 90 minutes, filling their shopping carts with clothing, personal hygiene products and much-needed school supplies.

“Meijer is honored to partner with the Central Macomb Optimist Club and the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department to ensure all children have the tools necessary to start the school year off right,” said Christina Fecher, Meijer community relations specialist. “We participate in numerous Shop with a Sheriff events each year because Meijer understands how important it is to support the communities where our customers and team members work and live.”

The children, who ranged in age from elementary to high school, were able to choose their own back-to-school clothing and supplies, with all receiving a backpack to store their new purchases.

“Many things we take for granted were very special and appreciated last Saturday by many families,” said Sue Kardasz, president of the Central Macomb Optimist Club. “It was like Christmas morning...you work hard for the day and it is over quickly, but the warmth in many hearts remains forever.”