Games, Santa, Christmas Shoppe and fun at annual Cops 'n Kids Christmas Party Saturday

Between playing games and watching the movie and talking with Santa and Mrs. Santa, and maybe even doing some shopping for Christmas, it will be a busy afternoon at the annual Cops 'n Kids Christmas party this Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at noon at the Columbia Cove Community Center in Brewster.

The party is sponsored by the Brewster Police Department; the companion Kids Christmas Shoppe is sponsored by the City of Brewster. It's all free, but children are asked to bring a can, box or bag of non-perishable food for donation to the St. James Episcopal Food Bank.

The party begins with a carnival for children, fun games like a bean bag throw and kicking a soccer ball, and maybe even a cupcake walk. Students in Pat Shelton's Current World Problems class are sponsoring this event. That's followed by the movie, "Little Einsteins: The Christmas Wish," at about 1 p.m., and every child gets a bag of goodies.

After the movie there will be a visit from a jolly old elf from the North Pole. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to listen to Christmas wishes, and Santa has a candy cane for every kid.

A poster contest is always part of the party; the theme is always snow safety (proper precautions for cold weather) and the first place winners receive a sled or toys. The posters can be drawn on any type of paper with any kind of crayons or colored pencils. Children should include their name and age on the back of the poster.

The Christmas Shoppe will open after the movie. Only children are allowed inside; all adults have to wait in the gym. Gifts for Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters; the whole family will be for sale. Every present is $1, and children will be limited on the number of gifts they can purchase. Personal shoppers will be on hand to help the children make their selections. The organizers are looking for additional volunteer personal shoppers, and they're taking donations of cool presents right up to Saturday morning.

At the Christmas Shoppe, just like in real life, presents for men are a particular bugaboo, and the organizers are looking for man stuff.

People who want to donate their time, presents or money can contact Desha Dawson at Brewster City Hall, Nattalie Cariker or Juana Escobar at the Brewster Police Department during business hours.