Chartiers Valley life skills students, local police team up for a good cause

Groceries and other essentials will be donated to the Bethany Church Food Pantry thanks to Chartiers Valley High School life skills students and local police working together.

Life skills students partnered with local police for the annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 11 at the Raceway Plaza Shop ‘n Save.

But this wasn’t a typical Shop with a Cop event — students and police officers shopped for $2,000 worth of food and other necessities to be donated to the Bridgeville Area Food Pantry at Bethany Presbyterian Church.

The money came from the Collier and Scott Township police associations.

“This is such a great event for our students,” said Buffie Faes, life skills teacher. “My kids look forward to it every year. They love shopping and following the grocery list to make purchases, and then have such a good time at the party afterwards. We’re so glad our police sponsor this traditional activity.”

The event embodies the principles of effective community policing, said Kyle Kelsch, school resource officer.

“This event provides a wonderful opportunity for the life skills students in our district to step out of the classroom, connect with the dedicated local law enforcement officers serving their communities, and learn the true spirit of the giving season by helping those less fortunate,” Kelsch said.

It’s the ninth year of the program.

“This initiative is a deeply rewarding experience for all, and as the new School Resource Officer for Chartiers Valley High School and Middle School, I am committed to ensuring its continued success for many years to come,” Kelsch said.