MONROE — The three brothers have a special connection with the Monroe Police Department.
It was Monroe officers who found the boys in October and contacted social workers. That led to them being placed with foster parents Lisa and Ryan Sankey, of Marysville.
Isaiah Vigil is 9, John Chitwood is 8 and Ares Adams is 6. They are busy boys, but they are good boys, Lisa Sankey said.
On Dec. 16, the brothers rejoined Monroe officers for “Shop With A Cop,” a charity event for kids at the Walmart along N. Kelsey Street.
“For the last two days, all they could talk about was what they’re going to do, shopping with the police,” Lisa Sankey said.
She encouraged them to buy gifts for each other, and not just for themselves.
“I’m excited that I’m here,” Isaiah told her. “I like my brothers. Seriously.”
About a dozen children each got to spend $100 during the event. The officers aimed to help them select both toys and needed practical items, such as clothes and shoes.
For kids that age, aim for shoes a half size big, officer Jason Southard told his co-workers.
The families were chosen through referrals, said detective Spencer Robinson, who organized this year’s event. Sponsors included Walmart, Speedway Chevrolet, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, the Monroe Police Officers Association and private donors.
“In this job, you see a lot of darkness,” Robinson said. “You see a lot of sad things that shouldn’t have to happen. I look at this as a small way you can shine a light in these kids’ lives.”
Officer Derrick Lether helped Isaiah shop. The boy had his eye out for a train set, in particular an old-fashioned steam engine. Earlier in the day at school, he had made a sled out of gym mats, he said.
“I’ve always wanted a train set ever since I was little, when I was 5 years old,” he said. “I just want an engine with smoke coming out of it.”
Isaiah’s brother, John, was paired with Sgt. Ryan Irving. The sergeant fished out a lime green ball from a container full of different colors.
John also picked out a toy car for one of his brothers.
“What’s cool about that one?” Irving asked.
“It’s a Camaro. He likes Camaros,” John said.
Meanwhile, 6-year-old Ares chose a toy ship. “It’s two and two,” he told Sgt. Rick Dunn, reading aloud the price tag of $22. Dunn then read him the features listed on the box: “It includes hydro wheels.” Ares kept finding items he thought his older brothers would like.
Dunn asked him, “Are you going to get anything for yourself?
No, the boy replied.
“I think you’re starting to be one of my favorite kids,” the sergeant said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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