The pandemic that struck the region canceled many activities, but not the holiday tradition of the Westmoreland County Shop with a Cop program.

“We were able to help 804 children this year,” said Trooper Steve Limani, who coordinates the program which is in its 13th year.

“There was a spike in numbers” of those seeking the assistance, because of the economic impact of the pandemic on families, Limani said.

“We normally take 300 kids. We got a lot of support from the community,” Limani said.

In North Huntingdon, Kenny Ross Automotive Group underwrote the Shop with a Cop gift-buying program, providing about $14,000, said Carley Painter, marketing director for the group.

The local Shop with a Cop effort provided children with $150 vouchers for shopping at Walmart stores in Rostraver, East Huntingdon, Unity, North Huntingdon, Salem and Hempfield, said Limani, who works out of the Greensburg barracks.

The children typically purchased toys and arts and crafts with their vouchers.

Police officers from Irwin, North Huntingdon, Pitcairn, Monroeville, Allegheny County and members of sheriffs departments from Allegheny and Westmoreland counties were among those assisting the effort at the North Huntingdon Walmart. Police took the children into the store in small groups, Limani said.

Throughout the program, officers accompanying the children practiced social distancing and wore masks. Excela Health medical personnel took the temperatures of the children and asked them health-related questions.

The challenge to provide all the children who signed up for the program was more difficult this year because fundraising initiatives — such as a golf outing — were canceled. In the midst of the pandemic, he said his supervisor was concerned if they could have a Shop With a Cop program in 2020, Limani said.

Individuals who donated to the program received a “I sponsored a child” lawn sign with the Shop with a Cop logo, Limani said.

“The police officers had huge smiles, taking the kids through Walmart,” Limani said.

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