For the 26th year, Clark County’s law enforcement officers are taking hundreds of needy children shopping before Christmas.

Members of Winchester-Clark County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 34 expect to take more than 300 children shopping Sunday, Dec. 16, for the annual Shop With A Cop program.

Lodge President Lee Murray said donations have increased this year, which will allow about 320 children to go shopping and spend $125 each.

“We like for them to get clothes first and then whatever’s left, get a toy or something,” Murray said.

The children chosen to participate are recommended by the schools’ family resource centers, but lodge members do additional work before arriving at the final list.

“Keith Mullikin, my vice president, goes through the list from the family resource centers and makes sure they aren’t getting help elsewhere and are truly in need so everyone in need hopefully gets the chance to have a good Christmas,” Murray said.

Over the event’s history, Murray estimates the lodge has spent about $21,000 annually, in a combination of donations and lodge funds.

“That’s $500,000 this FOP has donated back to the community for our needy children,” he said. “The need is always there.”

In addition to the local officers, there will be dozens of volunteers at the Winchester WalMart to take children shopping, beginning at 7 a.m., he said. Usually, it takes about three hours to finish shopping with everyone, he said.

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 14, he said. To make a donation, call 859-644-5221.