POULSBO — About 110 police officers lined the front of Walmart Dec. 5 awaiting a motorcade. They weren’t greeting politicians or dignitaries or celebrities. They were waiting for two busloads of kids to arrive so they could take them shopping.

It’s a program called “Shop With a Cop” and they’ve been active in Kitsap County for more than a decade.

Lead organizer Lt. Penny Sapp, a recruiting coordinator with Kitsap County Corrections, said the program is a way for law enforcement officers to give back to the community and build relationships with youth.

“Some of the kids need positive views of law enforcement,” Sapp said.

The kids were given $100 from “Shop With a Cop,” as well as $25 from United Way. The $25 came with two stipulations: They could only use it to buy something practical, like a jacket or school supplies, and they had to spend it on themselves.

Many of the kids came from low-income families and use the $100 to buy gifts for their families.

The school districts, on a rotating basis, select children to participate. This year was North Kitsap’s turn and they brought 110 kids — one of the largest groups in program’s history.

“As the years go on the need for the program grows larger,” Sapp said.

“Shop With a Cop” changes school districts each year, but no matter the district, the kids are taken to the Poulsbo Walmart.

“This Walmart is the best Walmart,” Sapp said. “We drive the kids from South Kitsap to this Walmart because the employees are the best.”

Poulsbo Police Officer Shawn Ziemann has participated in the program a few times.

“You feel really great when you get done,” Ziemann said. “It really helps these kids.”

The program is funded entirely through donations. Its largest fundraiser is during the Kitsap County Fair, when volunteers they help with parking.

Law enforcement officers from Poulsbo, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Kitsap County Corrections, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office participated. The Navy and Coast Guard also participated.

To learn more about “Shop With a Cop,” visit www.kitsapshopwithacop.com.

Over 100 law enforcement and military personnel lined up outside of the Poulsbo Walmart Dec. 5 as they awaited the “Shop With a Cop” motorcade. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Poulsbo police officer David Gesell leads the motorcade on a rainy afternoon to Walmart. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Poulsbo police officers Stacey Smaaladen and David Gesell wait to enter Walmart with kids from Shop With a Cop. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Jasmyn, 3, chooses a bracelet held by Poulsbo police officer Shawn Ziemann. Michelle Blatter, a family friend, bites her lip as she watches. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Jasmyn, 3, smiles for the camera. Blatter said Jasmyn is a “girly girl” and paints her nails whenever Blatter visits. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Poulsbo Police Officer David Gesell watches as Nicholas, 9, contemplates which toy to buy. When asked if he had a good time, Nicholas smiled and nodded sheepishly. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Nicholas tries to decide which Star Wars toy to choose. Later, as they were waiting to checkout, Nicholas asked Gesell why he does “Shop With a Cop.” “So you guys can have a good Christmas,” Gesell said. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Poulsbo police officer Stacey Smaaladen pushes a shopping cart through Walmart with a girl from the “Shop With a Cop” program. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Poulsbo police officer Josh Krebs and Eileen, 7, try to figure out what to buy her grandpa. Eileen also bought presents for her mother, father, brother, sister, uncle and a friend. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Eileen, 7, holds Krebs’ hand as they approach a bin of school supplies. This was Krebs’ first time with “Shop With a Cop.” “It sounded like a great opportunity to participate in an outstanding community activity,”  he said. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Registers dedicated to “Shop With a Cop” participants were covered in wrapping paper. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain