NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - There was a large police presence at the Wal-Mart on East McCain in North Little Rock, but not for the everyday reasons you might expect.
Along with their normal duties of fighting crime, North Little Rock police spent the morning making the Christmas season bright for dozens of kids. The officers said the annual "Shop with a Cop" event brings them joy too.
"This is all about the kids," Officer Matthew Peach said.
Kids like 7-year-old Kenterious was there to shop with a cop, and spent the morning with Officer Peach.
"It's really great to see a smile on these kids faces," Officer Peach said.
This is the 13th year for North Little Rock's Shop with a Cop program.
"We want to make sure this event for them helps them have a great Christmas," Sgt. Amy Cooper said. "When in other circumstances they may not be able to do that. They buy presents for themselves and they must buy a present for at least one family member if not more we want to provide the gift of giving and receiving."
The families chosen go through an application process. Funds for the program come from community donations that are gathered throughout the year.
Each child is given a $200 gift card, so they can buy gifts for themselves, and must also buy a gift for at least one other family member.
Sgt. Cooper said the bonds formed while navigating the aisles are a gift for the kids and officers alike.
"Just walking around and seeing the interaction, it means so much to them to actually get involved with the youngest in our community, our youngest citizens," Sgt. Cooper said, "to take them around to see that joy on those children's faces I know warms the hearts of our volunteers and officers."
It's about building trust and brightening the holiday season.
"It's really great to see a smile on these kids faces," Sgt. Cooper said.
Among those officers, was Officer Tommy Norman. He shared this amazing video of Annie Zimmerman performing the National Anthem before the event.