The Salem Police Department Fraternal Order of Police Shop with a Cop program took 60 kindergarten through third grade kids shopping on Saturday.

Hawthorn School Resource Officer Mason McMeen says it’s a fun day for the cops as well as the kids.

“Every year for Shop with a Cop we reach out to the schools and we leave it up to the staff who see kids and realize that maybe they don’t have everything that other kids do,” McMeen said. “Kids in need, whether it be clothes, toys, or the kids mention they need Christmas. Teachers pick who gets to come to Shop with a Cop so we can help them get a good Christmas.”

This is the ninth year for the program which FOP Treasurer Craig Vieira says is only possible because of the community.

“I know as the treasurer for the FOP, we could not do this without donations from the community,” Vieira said. “That comes from businesses, individuals, groups. It’s community-wide participation, and we have the benefit of seeing these kids really have a great Christmas.”

Vieira says about $15,000 was raised this year to support the program.

Salem Police Officers were joined by Marion County Sheriff’s Kevin Cripps, Iuka Police, and Illinois State Conservation Police in shopping with the kids at the Salem Walmart store.

Salem police chief Susan Miller at Shop with a Cop.

Sheriff Kevin Cripps at Salem Shop with a Cop.

Salem detective Tyler Rose at Shop with a Cop.