FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Dozens of police officers helped more than 200 children pick out gifts for Christmas as part of the annual "Shop With a Cop" program.
It kicked off early Saturday (Dec. 10) at the Walmart Supercenter on Rogers Avenue.
"We have a lot of agencies represented. That includes officers from Fort Smith, Arkansas Highway Police, University of Arkansas Police and officers from Barling, Lavaca, Huntington and Hackett," said Fort Smith Police Corporal Barbara Williams. "This is a great thing for kids and you don't have to be a member of the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) to come help kids shop."
She said they are blessed to have this many kids show up.
Here's how it works: Kids who qualify sign up. They get an arm band and can spend up to $50 shopping for items on their Christmas list.
When they get to the register the armbands are cut off, so organizers know they are taken care of.
Money the community donates to the FOP organization goes to this program.
Several local community groups and private individuals also gave money to make this possible.
The items purchased for "Shop with a Cop" were tax free.