LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Dozens of Louisville jail officers got a chance Tuesday to work on a much lighter beat, a program they said helps them feel human again.
The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections hosted its annual Coat-a-Kid program, which began 37 years ago with just four kids and $200. The program has since grown, and, this year, 75 students from Dr. William H. Perry Sr. Elementary School were able to enjoy a shopping spree at Meijer.
Perry Elementary, which is in the California neighborhood, has a higher rate of childhood poverty than 98.8% of U.S. neighborhoods.
FOP Lodge 77 President Daniel Johnson. Dec. 5, 2023. (WDRB Photo)
FOP President Daniel Johnson said the union members were able to raise more than $20,000 by playing bingo to buy new coats, clothes, and toys for the kids.
Johnson said Tuesday's event was an even exchange, with the officers getting just as much as the kids do out of the experience.
"It's our way of giving back ..." he said. "A lot of times, we are surrounded by a lot of negativity in our line of work. It's really good when we are able to have the opportunity to get out into the community and do something good. It literally rejuvenates our soul."
The officers spent $175 on each kid. After shopping, the kids were treated to Chick-fil-A for lunch.
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