Kitsap Shop with a Cop was recently recognized as a recipient of COUNTRY Financial’s Operation Helpline Heroes award and was presented a $1,500 donation to the program that provides kids in need with a holiday shopping spree.

Each year volunteers from local law enforcement take over 100 kids from area school districts and tribal reservations to Walmart to shop for holiday gifts. This year, Kitsap Shop with a Cop selected school kids from South Kitsap School District as well as kids from Port Gamble and Suquamish Tribes.

This year’s shopping spree was held Saturday, Dec. 3. Three school buses and a passenger van filled with kids arrived with a police escort at the Poulsbo Walmart. Dozens of officers from Kitsap County, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Fish and Game and more were in attendance to escort the kids on a shopping spree and visit with Santa.

“We’re thrilled to support this event and help bring joy and smiles to these kids’ faces,” Kimberly Aker said, who is a COUNTRY Financial representative. “The Kitsap Shop with a Cop program is a great way to build a positive connection between law enforcement and youth in our community. It was heartwarming to be part of the event and see how gracious and thoughtful the children were as they shopped not only for themselves, but their loved ones too. We’re honored to contribute in some way to both the children and the organization.”

Shop with a Cop is an event that is held nearly nationwide by individual police departments. Police departments participating in this event fundraise to provide underprivileged school-aged children an opportunity to buy a Christmas present for themselves.