Over the past two weeks, 75 local children and dozens of law enforcement agents have gotten together for Shop with a Cop.

The youngsters went on shopping sprees with members of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 83 of Warren County.

They spent dollars donated to the FOP specifically for the program. The program raised over $14,000 this year, meaning each child was able to spend about $180.

Many of the kids focused on toys. But, they were encouraged to think about gifts for family members and warm clothes. New shoes were also part of the experience.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Lilly Carpenter picks out art supplies with City of Warren Police Capt. Jeff Dougherty on Tuesday during Shop with a Cop at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.

“It’s been a huge success,” Conewango Township Police Department Officer Charlie Andersen said. “It’s about taking kids shopping, interacting with them, and getting them gifts for their families.”

Andersen helped Larissa Niles find what she was looking for at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Shoe Department Encore on Tuesday.

“It really builds trust with the child and the cop,” Thomas Niles said.

“It’s a great event,” Andersen said. “The community donations have been outstanding. Without the generosity of the community, we couldn’t do this.”

The program is in its third year, according to City of Warren Police Det. Tony Chimenti, who was shopping Tuesday with Ember Hollabaugh. For the first two years, the police agencies raised money separately.

Lela Whipple, who was shopping with Warren County Jail Deputy Warden Rusty Barr, shows off the boots she chose Tuesday during Shop with a Cop at Shoe Department Encore.

This year, “the FOP created an account to get everybody together,” Chimenti said.

The program doesn’t have any overhead. Dollars that are donated end up buying what the kids want.

“It’s been a fantastic year,” FOP Treasurer Jason Woodin said. “We’ve raised over $14,000. All of this money is spent directly for the kids.”

Three merchants participated this year, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Shoe Department Encore, and Walmart.

Each merchant helped stretch the dollars by giving discounts or freebies, according to Woodin.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Annabelle Hughan moves a nail decorating kit to her cart, driven by City of Warren Police Sgt. Joe Bees, on Tuesday during Shop with a Cop at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.

After the shopping, officers took the families to Napoli Pizza for lunch.

There is one outing left and three more children will be part of the program this year, according to Woodin.

“It’s a great program,” he said. “There are kids that are just so excited. We’re glad to be a part of it.”