It was a fun-filled holiday themed afternoon Thursday as the Neighborhood Place of Kona and Community Policing and the Kona Denny’s hosted Cocoa with a Cop.
The event was a family oriented rendition of Community Policing’s monthly Coffee with a Cop where community members are invited to “talk story” with the officers.
The free family friendly community event attracted about 120 people who were treated to free cocoa, sandwiches, dessert, goodie bags, keiki ID and holiday activities.
“All the activities were great,” said Community Policing Officer Dwayne Sluss. “We had write a letter to Santa, make a Christmas tree ornament and story time with the Kona Library.”
The Neighborhood Place made and distributed specially made hot cocoa gift bags for all the kids.
“What a fun event this is,” said Sluss. “Being the first one, I didn’t know what to expect. Were we going to have two kids or 200? Look around, we have about 100 kids having a great time.”
Laura Barrett, community outreach coordinator for the Neighborhood Place of Kona was instrumental in putting the event together.
“Neighborhood Place of Kona wanted to help bring the community together during the holidays and give families an opportunity to meet with our local community police officers. We liked the idea of “Coffee with a Cop” and wanted to build off that model to offer an opportunity for keiki to join in the fun,” she said. “Dennys of Kona owner Ali Sahito was quick to offer us his location for the event, and generously provided the cocoa, food, and treats for families. Kau’i Young represented Kailua Kona Public Library and entertained with a story time and craft. Miss Aloha Hawaii, Matea Young volunteered her time to pass out books and goodies to those in attendance. Refocus Realty and Naka Distribution provided take home goodie bags and ornaments for keiki to decorate with their families.”
Neighborhood Place of Kona partners with many likeminded businesses and agencies who support their mission, which is to ensure the wellbeing of children and their families by promoting environments of peace and safety.
“We’d like to thank all those who joined us in our first annual holiday Cocoa with a Cop and look forward to hosting future community events that strengthen our families and community,” said Barrett.
It’s so good to see them having fun, especially this time of year. It just warms the heart,” said Sluss.