The Lehighton Police Department stepped up to spread some genuine Christmas spirit during the Shop With a Cop event at the Mahoning Township Walmart on the Saturday before Christmas.

Lehighton Police Chief Troy Abelovsky, Officer Mike Svetik, Detective Matt Arner, and Officer Justus Altmiller accompanied six local children around the store to help them choose what to buy. The children, all from Lehighton, were Brett Thomas, Luke Dorshimer, Bentley Mullaney, Hunter Mullaney, Payton Parento, and Syncere.

Detective Arner made sure to inform the children about one important rule.

“You do have to buy a present for your parents,” Arner said. “That’s really important. But you can spend the rest of the money on yourselves or get something for your siblings or classmates if you want.”

This is the second year that the Lehighton Police have organized this event, according to Chief Abelovsky. “This year, we have six children from four families. We hope to expand even more next year.”

The children and the police officers shopped until around noon, and then they headed over to the Lehighton Borough Hall to wrap the gifts. They had to wait until Christmas Day to open them. To make the day even more special, they enjoyed some pizza and drinks, and Santa himself paid a visit to the children.

“Our goal is to bring some Christmas joy into their lives,” Chief Abelovsky explained.