Cobleskill, N.Y. (WNYT) – A law enforcement crowd descended on the Walmart in Cobleskill for a very happy reason.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department and SUNY Cobleskill Police are paired with children to “Shop with a Sheriff.”

“It’s always a fun time coming to hang out with the kids and do their shopping with them,” said Schoharie County Deputy Julia Valvo.

The children get to fill their carts with items from their Christmas lists, thanks to donations from the community and law enforcement unions.

7-year-old Marilyn from Cobleskill says it’s fun to shop with the officers. “Because they talk and we get to talk with them and we have a partner,” she said.

That’s exactly what these officers like to hear.

The children are excited about the shopping, of course, but this is also about building relationships.

“I think it is,” said Deputy Valvo. “I think it’s good for the community to see us interact in a positive way.”

“I signed up for this because it’s really cool to watch the kids pick out stuff for their family and sometimes it’s hard to even get them to get something for themselves, so it’s really cool to watch them open up and they get to see us in a really friendly light and something different for them, maybe they haven’t talked to many police officers before,” said SUNY Cobleskill Police Officer Carly Ferretti.

This year, there are 16 children from six school districts.

8-year-old James from Cobleskill says he’s shopping for his entire family, and he made a list. “I don’t remember but it’s a lot of stuff,” he said.

After Walmart, they sit down to eat at Little Italy Pizza. The shopping partners get to spend more time together. It is all about the children.

“I absolutely love giving back and being involved with the kids and getting to see the joy and happiness,” said SUNY Cobleskill Police Officer Emily Croneiser. “Christmas is a very special time to me and I think it means a lot. Hoping that the kids have a great time and get to enjoy it.”