The smiles were evident Tuesday even behind the protective masks worn by young shoppers and their chaperones — police officers — at the Westmoreland County Shop With a Cop event at the Walmart in East Huntingdon.

“This is by far my favorite day of the year,” said veteran Westmoreland sheriff’s Deputy William “Bill” Lane as he navigated a shopping cart through the toy aisles for 5-year-old Brantley Brooks of Scottdale.

“This is great,” Brantley added as he sorted the many toy selections that overflowed from his cart.

Asked which toy was his favorite, the boy was diplomatic: “All of them,” he said.

Brantley showed a knack for planning, fitting a large, plastic snow toboggan in his cart in anticipation of the 6 to 10 inches of snow expected to fall in parts of the county Wednesday.

No one was bothered by the mandatory protective masks and social distancing requirements, or the need to wait in cars for their number to be called and receive a temperature scan by Excela Health officials. Trooper Stephen Limani, organizer of the annual event, said the restrictions did not take any enjoyment or enthusiasm out of the event. About 100 children were expected to take part Tuesday at the East Huntingdon location.

One event drew about 60 young shoppers Monday at the Walmart in Rostraver. Others are slated Wednesday in Unity, then Dec. 21 in Hempfield, Dec. 22 in Salem and Dec. 23 in North Huntingdon.

Each child gets a $150 shopping voucher and is paired with an area police officer to spend it. Limani admitted there were health concerns this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but safety protocols under the direction of Excela Health medical personnel were implemented to let the event to go on as scheduled.

And, Limani said, this year, more children are registered to participate than in any previous year.

“Over the last three years, an average of 300 children were helped each year, but we could help out 600 children when this year is all said and done (Dec. 23),” Limani said. “Look at the kids’ smiles as they walk out of the store. … This (pandemic) hasn’t impacted the fun they get out of this or even the many policemen involved in it.”

Scottdale police Officers Ryan Layton and Mike Whipkey teamed up to help five children ages 5 to 10 from one area family with their shopping selections.

Eight-year-old Wesley Hall quickly spotted a Star Wars special edition “Mandalorian” character on a shelf, rushed to grab one and put it in the cart. Then, Wesley doubled back toward the shelf and told Layton and Whipkey he wanted to pay for one for his 4-year-old brother who couldn’t make the shopping trip.

Layton and Whipkey laughed and told the boy to put a second one in the buggy for his brother.

“It is really important and rewarding to get out like this with the children, helping the community and, especially, helping people in need. It’s another way we can support the community who support us all of the time,” Layton said.

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