More than $2,900 was raised for Boyle County Shop with a Cop this year, giving 18 students a chance to shop and eat with local law enforcement officers on Friday.

That money’s not including what some officers put in on their own, if they went a little over their allowance.

“Almost every officer or deputy spent money out of their own pocket to make sure their child got exactly what they wanted,” said Jennifer Gaddis, one of the organizers of the event.

Gaddis said a huge thanks was owed to everyone who made the event possible by donating money or time.

“I’ve worked in a lot of different counties across the state in my role as court-designated specialist and I have to say that these officers and deputies are some of the most wonderful guys I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “And that’s what makes this event even more successful.”

Extra thanks go to Danville Police Department School Resource Officer Chase Broach and to Boyle County Sheriff Derek Robbins, Gaddis said, because they helped organize the day. Junction City Police Chief Merl Baldwin also shopped with kids.

Some of the kids shyly said they had fun shopping with the law enforcement officers as they waited to check out. After making their purchases, the group headed next door to Cheddar’s to eat lunch together.

“I watched as they ate and talked with these kids during lunch and there wasn’t one face there that didn’t have a smile on it, including mine,” Gaddis said. “This community is blessed beyond measure.”

Fellow organizer Stacy Coontz said it was easy to see the kids enjoying the day.

“And I know we did,” Coontz said. “It was truly wonderful.”

While in Walmart, she said people came up to her and asked how they could contribute for next year. Gaddis said they plan to expand next year by buying gifts for 25 kids; many of the kids who participated this year asked if they could do it again next year.