Twenty-one deserving children from Boone County went on an all-expense paid shopping spree Saturday with officers from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.

The “Shop with a Cop” program has been a successful community outreach initiative in all parts of the nation for more than a decade, helping disadvantaged families during the holiday season.

And helping to spread a bit of that holiday cheer this year were officers of the Boone County Sheriff’s department and their spouses.

“Last year was our first year participating in Shop with a Cop; we would like to continue to do this each year; it is very rewarding to see the joy we’re helping to bring to these kids,” said Boone County Chief Deputy Chad Barker.

The day began early – at approximately 9 a.m., when the children and officers met Santa Clause himself at the Hatfield McCoy Trails center. The children did not have to wait until Christmas to get a few of the items on their lists, though, as deputies bundled the children into vehicles and traveled to Target, at the Southridge shopping plaza.

The children were each allocated a set dollar amount and then get to purchase anything they want for Christmas. This year, the children had approximately $200 to spend and the officers treated the children to a meal at a local restaurant before beginning the shopping adventure.

“We talked the administrators at each school and asked them to choose two students – one girl and one boy – they would recommend. That’s how the children were chosen,” said Boone County Chief Deputy Chad Barker.

County Commission Secretary Pam White, who volunteered her time that morning to help the children in their shopping adventure, said the day was a success and the children all enjoyed their day with the officers and their families.

Nintendo DS games and bicycles seemed to top several of the childrens’ lists this year. After every toy was scanned and bagged, the young shoppers gathered for some cake, some holiday crafts, and to watch a movie.