PONDERAY — Dozens of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and troopers accompanied 45 children on a Christmas shopping excursion as part of the recent Shop with a Cop.

Held Dec. 16, the annual event is hosted by local law enforcement agencies. This program allows children to be teamed up with a “cop” partner to shop for Christmas gifts. Following their shopping, volunteers wrap the gifts for children to take home to place under their Christmas tree, said Lt. Jon VanGesen of the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. 

Each child was given a moment with Santa and a chance to see their name on “the nice list.” Kids were also able to be goofy with their officers in a photo booth before enjoying a meal together, VanGesen said. 

Many community members, including Lake Pend Oreille School District and Boundary County School District employees, expressed their gratitude for the program.

"It was heartwarming to see our local law enforcement officers shopping with these children, wrapping gifts, laughing, and sharing a meal,” Kristin Hawkins, LPOSD community relations liaison, said. “This annual event provides a positive experience for these students and helps foster a positive community bond between them and law enforcement.”

Jan Bayer, Boundary County School District superintendent, echoed Hawkins' statements, adding the program brings smiles to children through positive interactions with local law enforcement.  

“The Boundary County School District is thankful for the amazing opportunity 10 students experienced over the weekend shopping with a cop,” Bayer said. “Our students will remember this event for years to come. Thank you to the Bonner County Sheriff's Guild for inviting our students and for their time throughout the year to make ‘Shop with a Cop’ possible.”

Participating law enforcement agencies included the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderay Police Department, Idaho State Police, Idaho Fish and Game, Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, Sandpoint Police Department, and the United States Forest Service

The sheriff’s office thanked Above and Below Construction, Bonner County Chaplains, Bonner County Sheriff’s Guild, Eye Care for You, Idaho Forest Group, Magnolia Memories, Marcus Mabrey — State Farm Insurance Agent, North Idaho Militia, Sandpoint Kiwanis, Sandpoint Rotary, Serv-A-Burger and Walmart for making the event possible. 

With great success and the need for community support, fundraising efforts for Shop with a Cop have already begun for next year. Financial donations can be made to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Guild, P.O. Box 92, Ponderay, Idaho, 83852, or dropped off at the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office for the Guild, 4001 North Boyer Road, Sandpoint.

    A local youth is pictured having fun mugging for the camera at the photo booth along with a local law enforcement officer during the recent "Shop With a Cop" event.