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<Kannapolis' "Cops Target Kids" Tradition Runs for 13 Years>

2024-12-10

For 13 years, Kannapolis has been hosting an event that brings together police officers and local kids. This annual "Cops Target Kids" Christmas shopping trip is not only a fun activity but also a chance for the children to build connections with the police force.

"Building Bridges: Cops and Kids Unite for Christmas"

Starting the Day with a Fueled-Up Morning

The event began with a breakfast to give the kids the energy they needed for the shopping spree. Kannapolis police officers came together with the local kids, ready to make this a memorable Christmas. According to Sgt. Travis Kiser, who played a crucial role in organizing the event, 49 children were selected to participate over three days of shopping. This shows the dedication of the police department in making this event a success.

On Thursday, the final day of shopping, a large group of officers, family members, and 18 children set off for Target. They traveled in a caravan of police and emergency vehicles, with the blue lights flashing and sirens singing through the neighborhoods. This sight was both exciting and reassuring for the children, as it showed the power and presence of the police.

When they arrived at Target, the employees were waiting outside to welcome them. They took a group photo before letting the kids loose in the store. This moment was filled with excitement and anticipation as the children were about to start their shopping adventure.

The 13-Year-Old Program and Its Impact

Sgt. Kiser mentioned that this is the 13th year of the program, and he has been a part of it for 10 years. He believes that watching the interactions between the kids and the officers is one of the most rewarding parts of the event. It shows that the police are not just law enforcers but also caring individuals.

The children are recommended by school counselors, and Master Police Officer Jennifer Macky plays a vital role in pairing them up with the officers. She takes into account their personalities and needs and works hard to ensure a perfect match. This attention to detail makes the event even more special for the children.

Thanks to the generous donations from supporters, each child had a budget of $450 to spend. After shopping at Target, they went to Rack Room Shoes to pick out a new pair of shoes. This added another element of fun to the day, as the children got to choose something for themselves.

Milly the Therapy Dog Joins in the Fun

Milly, the department's therapy dog, also accompanied the group on the trip. The children loved petting and hugging Milly, which added a touch of warmth to the event. It showed that the police department is not just about law and order but also about caring for the community.

Lunch and a visit with Santa rounded out the day, making it a truly memorable experience for the children. They were able to enjoy a delicious meal and have their photos taken with Santa, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Different Reactions from the Children

Some of the children were excited and energetic during the shopping, while others were initially shy and hesitant. However, by the end of the morning, everyone had a cart full of things they were happy with. This shows that the event was able to bring out the best in the children and make them feel special.

Shopper David Landis, who witnessed the police caravan arriving with lights and sirens, was impressed by the event. He said, "This is such a great program. It gives kids a chance to see police as people and know that they are their friends. I think it's awesome." His words reflect the positive impact that the event has on both the children and the community.

In addition to the "Cops Target Kids" event, another 1,000 children in Kannapolis will receive gifts through the Toys for Tots drive held by the Kannapolis Police Department. These gifts will be delivered to homes throughout the city between now and Christmas, bringing joy to even more children.

Just hours after Luigi Mangione's arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania, his family released a public statement. This incident has not only shocked the Mangione family but also spread their name across America. Let's delve into the life and family of this suspected killer.

Family's Initial Response

The Mangione family was stunned by Luigi's arrest. In a statement on social media, they said, "Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved." This shows the family's initial shock and their desire to offer support during this difficult time.

Luigi Mangione's Background

Luigi Mangione graduated as the valedictorian from Gilman School, a prestigious private institution. He then went on to graduate with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied engineering and applied sciences. His sister MariaSanta is a physician at the University of Texas Southwestern, while another sister Luciana is a talented visual artist. This shows the diverse talents within the Mangione family.

The Family's Legacy

Luigi Mangione's late grandfather, Nicholas Mangione Sr., was a prominent figure in the community. He developed real estate, including a 1,000-acre golf club and resort hotel. He also owned two hotels, seven nursing homes, and two talk radio shows. His grandmother, Mary Mangione, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 92, was active in community affairs, serving as a trustee for the Baltimore Opera Company, on a county tourism board, and with groups like the American Citizens for Italian Matters. This shows the family's long-standing contributions to the area.

The Ongoing Manhunt

New York City prosecutors charged Mangione with murder, and he is currently being held in Pennsylvania but is expected to be extradited. The targeted killing of the healthcare executive and the ensuing manhunt have brought the Mangione name into the national spotlight. This incident has raised many questions and concerns within the community.Luigi Mangione's family is now facing a difficult time as they deal with the aftermath of his arrest. Their story serves as a reminder of the complex nature of human lives and the impact that one person's actions can have on an entire family and community.

Striking hotel workers in San Francisco are making waves as they attempt to disrupt a major healthcare conference. Housekeepers, cooks, dishwashers, and other union members are reaching out to attendees, warning them about the challenges and potential disruptions during the event.

"Hotel Workers' Strike: A Battle for Fair Treatment and Conference Success"

Striking Workers' Outreach

Housekeepers, cooks, dishwashers, servers, bartenders, and other members of Unite Here Local 2 are actively engaging with attendees of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. Ted Waechter, the union spokesperson, stated that 10,000 people attended the conference last year. The union first reached out to J.P. Morgan in late September, asking them to cancel. Now, they are reaching out to attendees directly, sharing concerns about services not covered and the overall experience during a strike.This is not just about the conference; it's about the workers' fight for affordable health care, better pay, and the restoration of staffing levels. Ester Yuliani, a buffet attendant at the Westin St. Francis, emphasized the importance of keeping union health care. She said, "I can't believe anyone who works in health care would try to cross our picket line when we are fighting to keep our insurance."

The Impact on Conference Venues

The Westin St. Francis Hotel, where the conference is held, is one of the primary venues affected by the strike. About 2,500 hotel workers are on strike at this hotel and several others in the area. Marriott International, which owns the Westin St. Francis, has not responded to requests for comment.Waechter pointed out that the hotels are trying to reduce labor costs. In 2018, 7,700 Marriott workers went on strike nationally, and this year, over 10,000 hotel workers have struck in eleven cities. San Francisco is the only city where workers are still on strike.

Union Demands and Past Struggles

The workers are asking for affordable health care, better pay, and a reversal of COVID-19 pandemic-era job cuts. They believe that these demands are essential for their well-being and job security.In the past, the workers have won significant victories in their strikes. They obtained wage increases, better health care, and protections against sexual harassment. This time, they are determined to stand firm and fight for their rights.

The Conference's Future

According to the Westin Saint Francis, the conference is still scheduled to go forward. However, Waechter believes that it will be difficult to hold the conference successfully with a large portion of the city's full-service hotel rooms on strike. The hotels are hiring temporary workers and redeploying managers to fill in the gaps, but it remains to be seen if this will be enough.The Hotel Council, which is not involved in the labor negotiations, is urging both sides to work together on a new contract. This shows that there is a need for dialogue and compromise to find a solution to the ongoing dispute.In conclusion, the strike by San Francisco hotel workers is having a significant impact on the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and the hotel industry as a whole. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and if a resolution can be reached.