The Zephyr Express launched its maiden voyage Dec. 7, much to the delight of students, Whitehall Township and Coplay Borough police and the multitude of volunteers who made this event possible.

The Zephyr Express, also known as Shop with a Cop, started as the brainchild of Michelle Khouri, Whitehall- Coplay School District registrar and community relations; Matt Christman, WCSD school resource officer; and Melissa Hudak, co-coordinator. The result was a full day of shopping, wrapping, dining and decorating cookies.

The selection process of choosing two students from each grade from kindergarten through eighth grade was not easy. Participants were thoroughly vetted by staff, counselors and administration and ultimately chosen by Christman and Khouri, based on which children’s lives would be most enhanced by this experience.

In all, 18 students were partnered with 18 police officers. Each child and their police partner proceeded to shop for gifts at Burlington at MacArthur Commons, Whitehall.

“Burlington takes great pride in being able to partner with the WCSD and the community,” Marc Scholl, Burlington district manager, said.

After shopping, a very excited and hungry group of students boarded their bus - driven, of course, by Santa - and went to Zentz Hall at Fellowship Community, Whitehall. There, they were greeted by another group of Zephyr Express volunteers who were ready to serve lunch, help with gift wrapping and decorate gingerbread cookies. The volunteers at Fellowship Community created a festive and inviting environment for everyone.

Khouri and Hudak oversaw the fine details that made this event magical. Children who otherwise might not be experiencing the festivity and joy of the season were able to experience it on that day. According to Khouri and Christman, the Zephyr Express for Whitehall High School students occurred Dec. 15.

Khouri would like to increase the number of children who will participate next year. This event is funded by private donations, a private foundation and several local businesses. She noted, thanks to donations and sponsors, they were able to double the number of students participating.

“It certainly makes me honored to be part of such an amazing township and district,” Christman said of the event.