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"Annual Christmas Event: Cops Shop for Kids with Heart"

2024-12-09

On Sunday, a remarkable event took place as 86 officers from various law enforcement agencies joined 86 kids at Main Event Albuquerque. This annual "Cops for Kids" event, organized by the Albuquerque Police Department and Metro Crime Stoppers, brought together underprivileged children and police officers for a day filled with fun and togetherness.

"Police and Kids Unite in a Day of Christmas Cheer"

Morning Fun at Main Event

The officers and children spent their morning engaged in a variety of activities at Main Event. Arcade games buzzed with excitement, laser tag battles raged, and bowling lanes echoed with laughter. It was a sight to behold as these young ones and the police officers formed bonds while having a great time.This sense of unity was further enhanced when Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made a surprise appearance, landing in an Albuquerque Police Department helicopter in the parking lot. It was a moment that brought even more joy to the children's faces.

Shopping Spree at Walmart

After the morning of fun, the officers loaded the kids into their squad cars and drove them to the Walmart at 8000 Academy NE. Alicia Hernandez, a Metro Crime Stoppers coordinator, had spent most of the year preparing and fundraising for this event. Seeing the kids' happiness was worth all the stress for her.Each child was given a $100 Walmart gift card, a shopping cart, and the freedom to buy whatever they wanted. Nevan Martinez, 12, was a prime example of this. He was darting from department to department, with Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Deputy Thomas Salgado in hot pursuit. Martinez wanted to buy some slippers for his dad whose old pair had recently broken. He said, "(My dad) is always getting us what we want, and all these years, I’ve never given him anything for Christmas, so this year, I wanted to give him something."In the electronics department, Jamarcus Velez, 11, was also busy stacking his shopping cart with gifts for his mother. When asked why he was only shopping for his family and not himself, he simply replied, "Because I love them."

The Impact on Everyone

This selfless nature of the kids spending their gift cards on family members was common throughout the day. Hernandez noted that this is a standard part of every year's event. "They shop for their siblings and their mom and spend their gift cards on other people," she said. "This might be the only Christmas (these kids) get, but they’re not selfish."The impact of the day's events was not limited to the children and their families. The police officers who participated were also deeply moved by the event's effect on the children and the community. Andrea Padilla, a police officer with APD, said, "I love community engagement events, especially this one. Just seeing the kids’ faces light up when we play games with them and when we bring them to the store is a wonderful experience."This event truly showed the power of unity and giving during the Christmas season, bringing together law enforcement and the community in a way that will be remembered for years to come.

Science Friday's podcast Universe of Art offers a delightful journey through the realm of science and art. With hosts D Peterschmidt and a team of experts, it brings you the best in kids' science books and more. Tune in on various podcasting apps and get ready to be inspired!

Unlock the Magic of Science and Art with Universe of Art

Listen and Explore on Podcasting Apps

Immerse yourself in the world of Universe of Art by listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, or your favorite podcasting app. It's a convenient way to bring the wonders of science and art right to your ears. Whether you're on the go or relaxing at home, this podcast has something for everyone. 1: These podcasting platforms provide a seamless listening experience, allowing you to delve into the diverse topics covered by Universe of Art. From the latest scientific discoveries to the intersection of art and creativity, each episode offers a unique perspective that keeps you engaged. 2: With a wide range of podcasts available, you can easily find the ones that suit your interests. Whether you're a science enthusiast or an art lover, Universe of Art has it all. It's a one-stop destination for those who want to expand their horizons and explore the fascinating world of science and art.

Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

During this special time of the year, it's time to make your list and check it twice for the perfect gifts that spark a love of science in the kids in your life. Ira engages in delightful conversations with Mahnaz Dar, the young readers' editor at Kirkus Reviews, and Carrie Wolfson, the collection development librarian at the Boulder Public Library. They round up the top kids' science books of 2024 and offer recommendations based on listener questions. 1: These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, helping you find the most engaging and educational science books for kids. Their recommendations cover a wide range of topics, from astronomy to biology, ensuring that there's something for every young scientist. 2: By following their suggestions, you can give the gift of knowledge and curiosity this holiday season. These books not only entertain but also inspire kids to explore the world around them and develop a love for science. It's a gift that will last a lifetime.

Expert Recommendations and More

Still looking for a specific kids' science book but didn't get a chance to ask our experts in advance? Don't worry! Carrie and Mahnaz will be on hand to give a few more recommendations in the coming week. Submit your additional requests, and come back to this page on December 14 for their expanded recommendation list. 1: The team at Universe of Art is dedicated to providing you with the best resources and recommendations. Their expertise and passion shine through in every interaction, making them a valuable source of information for parents and educators alike. 2: By submitting your requests, you can play an active role in shaping the future of kids' science books. The experts will take your suggestions into account and add them to their list, ensuring that there are even more great options available.

Meet the Creators

Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday, with a particular interest in stories about health, psychology, and the environment. As a proud New Jersey native, she's passionate about sharing the beauty and importance of her home state. 1: Her work on Universe of Art showcases her dedication to bringing meaningful stories to life. Through her production skills, she helps to create a listening experience that is both informative and engaging. 2: Shoshannah's contributions to Science Friday add a unique touch to the podcast, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of science and other fields.D Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and a talented composer. His D&D character, Chip Chap Chopman, adds a touch of whimsy to his creative endeavors. 1: Peterschmidt's music sets the tone for each episode, enhancing the listening experience and adding an extra layer of depth to the stories. His passion for both music and science is evident in every note he composes. 2: As the host of Universe of Art, he guides listeners through the fascinating world of science and art, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. His enthusiasm is contagious and keeps audiences coming back for more.

Share Your Science-Inspired Art

Do you have science-inspired art that you'd like to share with us for a future episode? Send us an email or a voice memo to universe@sciencefriday.com. Let your creativity shine and be a part of the Universe of Art community! 1: We believe that art and science go hand in hand, and we want to showcase your unique creations. Whether it's a painting, a sculpture, or a digital art piece, we're excited to see what you have to offer. 2: By sharing your science-inspired art, you can contribute to the ongoing conversation about the intersection of these two fields. It's a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and inspire others with your work.

An emergency physician is emphasizing the importance of closely following toy labeling and purchasing age-appropriate gifts during the holiday season. Dr. Benjamin Orozco from Gundersen Health System highlights the need to consider all children in the house and not rely solely on age recommendations on packaging. Disasters are rare, but each year, about a dozen kids in the US die from toys and 250,000 get injured. Common sense is crucial, especially for younger siblings. Toddlers are most vulnerable to choking and ingestion hazards. For older children and teenagers, safety gear is essential. Scooters cause significant injuries like broken wrists and head injuries. It's advisable to include safety equipment with toys. Agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission do a good job, but sometimes dangerous items slip through. Some new toys still have hazardous lead-based paint. Dr. Orozco encourages purchasing games and activity-related toys to get kids outside and stimulate them. Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

Ensure Holiday Gifts Keep Kids Safe with Physician's Tips

Age-Appropriate Toy Purchasing

Dr. Benjamin Orozco stresses the significance of closely following toy labeling. He explains that while age recommendations on packaging are important, they shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. When shopping for toys, one must consider all kids in the house. Disasters are rare, but the statistics are concerning. About a dozen kids die each year from toys, and 250,000 get injured. This highlights the need for careful consideration.For younger siblings, especially those in the toddler range, choking and ingestion hazards are a major concern. Toddlers are likely to put things in their mouths, and unfortunately, this leads to a few deaths each year from small pieces of toys or wrapping.

Safety Gear for Different Age Groups

The hazards for older children and teenagers are different. Scooters, for example, cause most significant injuries like broken wrists, bumps, and bruises, and sometimes even significant head injuries. Dr. Orozco advises putting safety equipment right with the toy. When buying a scooter, it should come with a helmet and other necessary safety gear.This shows that safety gear is crucial for different age groups and activities. It helps prevent serious injuries and ensures the well-being of children.

Avoiding Hazardous Toys

Agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission work hard to keep dangerous toys off the shelves, but occasionally, something slips through. For example, there were some powerful magnets that were fun for teenagers but could be dangerous if ingested by a small child. Two magnets could stick together and pin pieces of the intestine together, causing the intestines to burst.It's important to be aware of such hazards and avoid purchasing toys with potential risks. Some new toys may still be coated with hazardous lead-based paint, typically items imported from other countries. Parents need to be cautious and choose safe toys for their children.Dr. Orozco encourages parents to purchase games, balls, and other activity-related toys that get kids outside to play. This helps stimulate their minds and bodies, promoting a healthy lifestyle.Gundersen Health System's clinics and hospital in Iowa provide valuable healthcare services and support in ensuring the safety of children during the holiday season and beyond.