Local police officer donates more than 100 coats to children in need
Officer Kimberly Stover with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) went into her own pocket to donate 125 coats to children in need.
Ahead of the big snow storm that dropped more than 12 inches of snow in parts of the Piedmont Triad, Officer Kimberly Stover with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) went into her own pocket to donate 125 coats to children in need.
A native of West Virginia, Officer Stover is a 16-year veteran with the WSPD and currently the School Resource Officer at Main Street Academy. When discussing the coat giveaway with The Chronicle on Saturday, Dec 8, Stover said she finds time every month to feed the homeless, but when she missed the period to sign up this month, she decided to do a little more.
“I’m always trying to stay busy in the community, I just like giving back. God has blessed me and I try to bless others who are less fortunate,” Stover said.
She said the giving back also gives children an opportunity to see her in a different light. She said it lets them know that she is a human being and not just someone who takes people to jail.
“… I make sure the kids aren’t fearful of police officers, that’s one of the main messages I try to spread with my involvement in the community,” she said. “Police aren’t bad people and you just have to let them know that.”
On the morning of the giveaway held at The Learning Place CDC, 1120 East 29th St., with help from their parents, children had the opportunity to pick a coat, a hat, and gloves. They also enjoyed light refreshments and treat bags.
Following the success of the giveaway last weekend, Officer Stover said she is looking to make it an annual event ahead of the holiday season.
“This is just the beginning. I’m going to do it every year. I do sponsor a family for Christmas each year, but I decided this year this would be a little bit more.”
