Seven Novi students masked up to go shopping with members of the Novi Police and Novi Fire Departments as part of the Novi Youth Assistance sponsored "Back to School Shopping" event at Kohl's last Tuesday.

Each student left Kohl’s with a shopping bag full of new apparel and a backpack stuffed with school supplies that was generously donated by St. James Church in Novi. This program helps get students excited and prepared for the upcoming school year.

Novi Youth Assistance wants to give a special thanks to our local Police Officers and Firefighters who volunteered to help make this day special: Fire Captain Todd Seog, Fire Lieutenant John Gearns-Hazlett, Fire Protection Officer Tim Porter, Fire Protection Officer Pat Deneau, Fire Protection Officer Mike Olando, Fire Lieutenant Jonathan Gearns-Hazlett, Novi Police Lieutenant Amanda Kulikowski, Detective Julie Warren, Officer Adam McGee, Officer Alisa Harwell, Officer Jacob Roberts, Officer Sarah Moulik, Officer Matt Chylaszek, and Officer Florina Ivezic.

Novi Youth Assistance is a community-based organization whose mission is to strengthen youth and families, and to prevent and reduce delinquency, neglect, and abuse through community involvement. Novi Youth Assistance initiatives are supported by a unique tri-sponsorship agreement between the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division, Novi Community School District, and the City of Novi. For more information about Novi Youth Assistance follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or visit cityofnovi.org/nya.