Cops help make Christmas special for some area children.

Mason County Sheriff Chief Deputy Steve Hansen helps find that special gift.

VIDEO HERE.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

PERE MARQUETTE TWP. — Thirty children got to shop with an area police officer Monday night during the Shop with a Cop program. The popular program has been lapse for a couple of years but is being revived this year by Ludington Police Officer Tony Kuster.

Scottville Police Officer Angela Babinec helps find gifts.

Ten children were selected from each of the county school districts; they each received $100 gift cards from Wal-Mart. They were accompanied by a police officer from Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Ludington Police Department, Scottville Police Department or Michigan State Police, who each volunteered their time.

“They could buy whatever they wanted,” Kuster said. “The officer helped them out.”

The gifts purchased were wrapped for free by volunteers from the Ludington High School junior varsity and varsity girls basketball teams and members of the LHS and Mason County Central High School National Honor Society chapters. The children also received a free piece of pizza and beverage from the Subway located inside Wal-Mart and a photo with Santa.

Funds for the program came from United Way of Mason County and the Pennies from Heaven Foundation.