ISLAND CITY — Walmart shoppers probably took note of the large law enforcement presence throughout the store Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Luckily the officers, deputies and troopers weren’t there responding to crime or to make an arrest. Instead they were spreading holiday cheer to 15 children and their families through the annual Shop with a Cop program.

Each child received $150 to purchase gifts for others during their shopping spree. The experience was a role reversal for many children who normally are the ones receiving gifts for the holidays.

“That’s what I like about this program. Kids usually get gifts from other charitable organizations, but this is the only one that I know of where they actually get to go shopping and buy something for somebody else. They really enjoy being able to take in the gift of giving during the holiday season,” Lt. Jason Hays said.

Fifteen children are selected for Shop with a Cop on the recommendations of school counselors. The children chosen are those with financial need who counselors believe would also benefit from one-on-one time with a law enforcement officer, according to Hays.

“The school counselors know the kids the best,” he said. “They do a wonderful job.”

Hays has been participating in Shop with a Cop for over 25 years and has led the program since it started in 2009. Shop with a Cop evolved over the years thanks to the financial support from the community.

“We get so much support that we’re able to do more for the kids and more for the kid’s families every year,” he said.

When the program first started each of the children received $100 to buy gifts for their families and $25 to purchase something for themselves, according to Hays. Now, kids not only receive the $150 for presents, but they also get to pick out a gift for themselves.

“They’re hesitant to do that because they’re having so much fun buying for other people. To see that kind of altruism and unselfishness and kindness and generosity in kids — it’s just wonderful,” Hays said.

Evelyn Elston, who shopped with retired La Grande Police sergeant and current officer with the Umatilla Tribal Police Department Jared Rogers, was among the children exhilarated by the opportunity.

Elston excitedly showed off the gifts she’d already picked out for her brother.

“I can’t wait to see his face,” she said.

Children did more than shop on Dec. 17. They also enjoyed a free lunch, had their presents wrapped by volunteers and each received a backpack filled to the brim with goodies, such as blankets, gloves, candy, book and craft items.

The families also receive a $200 Safeway gift card for groceries and the program will provide a Christmas tree if needed.

These are all ways that Shop with a Cop has grown since its inception. Hays said that he never has to worry about funding for the program given the generous support from the community.

The major sponsors of this year’s Shop with a Cop were Walmart, Loveland Funeral Home, Legacy Dodge, Sunrise Rotary, the city of Island City, Domino’s Pizza and Coca Cola.

Hays said that a handful of shoppers at Walmart even opened their wallets to donate to Shop with a Cop that day after learning about the event. Community members can also donate year round to the program at the front counter of the La Grande Police Department.

The kids aren’t the only ones excited about the day — all of the law enforcement volunteers look forward to the experience too. Hays explained that they often deal with negative situations as a police officer, which makes Shop with a Cop particularly meaningful.

“As police officers, we deal with conflict. That’s our job. This is the one thing that we do where everybody involved is happy, excited and positively impacted,” he said.