And it’s not over.

“The main events scheduled have concluded but officers have been popping in and out of different locations and taking kids shopping within our community,” Conewango Township Officer Charlie Andersen, who is coordinating the effort, said.

Shop with a Cop is a fundraising initiative the Fraternal Order of Police 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 donations to support this endeavor have been overwhelmingly generous. I cannot express enough how much the donations make the difference,” Andersen said.

Conewango Township Police Officer Charlie Andersen shops with kids during this year’s Shop with a Cop effort.

“This program is run on donations alone and our community has always stepped up and it’s humbling and appreciated beyond words.”

As of Thursday afternoon, Andersen said that a total of 167 kids went shopping with members of the law enforcement community.

“This year, we had so many helpers assist us with this endeavor due to the large number of participants,” he said.

Local, state and federal agencies jumped in to take kids shopping.

They include the Warren County DA’s office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, City of Warren Police, Conewango and Youngsville police and Pennsylvania State Police.

Photo provided to the Times Observer A young teller tells Warren County CAC Director Melissa McLean what she wants as part of the Shop with a Cop initiative.

Crossing county lines, officers with the Kane department got involved as did officers with federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Other agencies taking kids shopping included the Pa. Board of Probation and Parole, Warren County CYS, EmergyCare and the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center.

“Napolis Pizza has hosted a pizza party for the kids and families and Officers after each event,” Andersen said. “The Clemente family has been very supportive of this event each year and it’s greatly appreciated.”

While the event obviously benefits the children that participate, it’s a blessing for the officers, too.

“I personally enjoy this community event as it brings so many smiles to so many faces and is truly heartwarming,” Andersen said. “I can speak for the other agencies who have provided nothing but positive feedback that they really enjoyed the events as well.

Photo provided to the Times Observer First Assistant District Attorney Cody Brown with a young man as part of Shop with a Cop.

“We are truly humbled by the continued support our law enforcement officers receive throughout the year. We are proud to be your local law enforcement.”