Eleven-year-old Baylen Crampton was having the time of his life Wednesday afternoon at the local Target store while he participated in the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office “Shop with a Cop” event.

“I enjoy getting things for my brothers. It makes me feel good,” Crampton said as he illustrated it’s better to give than receive.

Crampton, who described himself as a big reader, also chose one of selections from the popular “Five Nights at Freddy’s” series as well as a Minecraft book.

Brandy Arnoux, the school resource officer in Evergreen and a 13-year veteran with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, spearheaded the first event, which provided holiday shopping sprees for nine area children.

“We raised money through our Deputy Association and Target also was very generous in donating to it, too,” Arnoux said.

Arnoux worked as an officer with the Columbia Falls Police Department from 2000-2007 before joining the Sheriff’s Office.

“I’ve been wanting to do this and we finally got it going,” Arnoux said.

She was active in the program at Columbia Falls, too.

The spirit of giving was infectious, too, as one woman handed a $20 bill to an officer to further the cause.

Duke Tomlinson is the executive team leader in customer services at Target.

“We love supporting our community here in the Flathead Valley and getting toys and other items in the hands of underprivileged kids is a special feeling,” Tomlinson said.

Target, which opened in the Flathead in January 2003, worked with the Columbia Falls Police Department last year for “Shop with a Cop.”

Crampton bought clothes and candy for his mother and brothers. He also enjoyed picking up a big bag of dog food, toys and treats for the family dogs.

“I can’t wait to give Oscar his squeaky toy, he’ll love it,” Crampton said.

Arnoux hopes to expand the program in 2021.

Shop with a Cop programs have been done across the country during the last two decades. They are designed to help families in need obtain gifts for children and foster better relationships between community members and police officers.

For more information about the Shop with a Cop program, call 406-758-5585.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.