Photo provided to the Times Observer City of Warren Police Sgt. Nathan Bond and Aethon Ryder empty a cart at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet during Shop with a Cop last year. Fundraising is underway for this year’s effort.

“It’s chaos. Good chaos.”

That’s how Fraternal Order of Police event chair Charlie Andersen described Shop with a Cop.

If you’re not familiar, Shop with a Cop is a fundraising initiative the FOP coordinates each year. They raise both corporate and private funding, partner with agencies who can identify children in need, and then take them shopping for Christmas.

The fundraising for this year’s effort is underway now.

“Last year we did upwards of 160 kids,” Andersen said. “It’s a great program.”

He said officers typically take children shopping at Walmart, Ollies and Shoe Department along with lunch at Napolis. They typically aim to spend $100 to $150 per child.

“We’re able to take them and get what they want,” he explained, adding that they’ll also let the kids buy for a parent or guardian, as well, to have something to place under the tree.

“We’ll get it wrapped for them,” he said. “It gives them a good feeling. They can put something under the tree for mom or dad.”

“The community has been awesome in this engagement,” he added. “We couldn’t do it without the corporate sponsors.”

Officers also chip in $50 a month to be able to not shave for November and December.

A host of law enforcement agencies including police as well as the District Attorney’s office, Sheriff’s Office, Game Commission, State Parole, State Police and Probation get involved to take kids shopping.

“It really takes all of us to get it done,” he said.

They reach out to school counselors as well as Children and Youth Services to identify the kids they’ll take shopping.

The PR benefits are obvious – fostering good relationships between kids and law enforcement can be beneficial down the road.

“It’s a way that we can give back,” Andersen said. “It makes us approachable. They see us as people too.”

But there’s blessing in it for the officers, too.

“It’s also uplifting for us,” Conewango Police Chief Jason Peters said. “When you see the same children out and about, they recognize you and want to come up and give you a hug.”

Anyone looking to donate can reach out to Andersen at the Conewango Police station by calling (814) 726-0725 or by email to c.andersen@conewangotwp.com. Checks should be made payable to the FOP Lodge 83.

They’ll be taking donations for this year’s effort through Dec. 17.

He added that anyone who knows a child who might need to participate can also call or email him.

“Our community is awesome,” Andersen said. “We’re happy to do it.”