For more than two and a half decades, the Winchester-Clark County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34 has been making the community a better place to live but in a somewhat different way than in the normal line of duty.

They make a difference by shopping.

It was 25 years ago that the organization started the local Shop with a Cop program to help make Christmas a little brighter for about a dozen local children in need.

It really has not stopped growing since.

The program has had a tremendous impact over the years with at least 4,000 children participating and more than $500,000 spent toward spreading holiday cheer for families in need.

This year’s event will be at 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Walmart in Winchester. About 220 children will be selected by the family resource centers in the schools, and each will have $125 to spend.

Shoppers start with much-needed winter clothes first, then the youth can move on to some more fun items like toys and games.

Anyone wishing to volunteer and help children shop can show up at the store that morning. Those who would like to help put some Christmas green into the program by making a financial contribution can contact lodge representatives at 737-9350 or 644-5221.

This program — and a variety of Angel Trees, Secret Santas and others like it across Clark County — show how special the community is when it comes to its collective compassionate heart.

Shop with a Cop embodies the spirit of Christmas and we look forward to many more years