Christmastime is always a time to exhibit the joys of giving to others. Kentucky State Police Post 10, Harlan got to experience that joy on Monday during their annual Shop with a Trooper event at the Middlesboro Walmart.

Nine boys and 11 girls got the chance to spend $120 on gifts. Every kid was also received a surprise bicycle to call their own.

“It’s just a great day to be here and be able to be a part of our community and give back to our kids,” said KSP Public Information Trooper Shane Jacobs. “Some of these kids don’t get the opportunity to have anything for Christmas, and we want to be sure we are able to give back.”

The schools who took part in this year’s event were Frakes, Lone Jack and Bell Central. KSP attempts to rotate the schools each year with the teachers selecting the students who participate.

While the ultimate goal of the event is to make sure the kids get to have a great Christmas, troopers also want the children to realize they don’t have to be afraid of the police. That is why each child is paired with a trooper and receive one-on-one interactions.

“We want to make sure these kids are not afraid of us,” said Jacobs. “That’s what this is all about, making sure they have a good Christmas (and) making sure they that no matter what they ever face in life, they’re never afraid of a trooper. You never know what they may face in the world, and we want them to run to us and not away from us.”

After the event, Walmart provided a meal for the children.

KSP Post 10 will be hosting another event in Harlan County on Tuesday.