Down the aisles of Walmart and to a checkout counter in the lawn and garden section, officers from the Hinesville Police Department could be seen Saturday morning navigating shopping carts – and often with a number of Barbie dolls.

The annual Shop With a Cop was held Saturday, and Hinesville’s finest dutifully took their turns escorting kids through Walmart’s departments, helping those children match their $150 budget before returning to the checkout counter – and maybe a picture with Santa Claus, too.

“It’s great, and it’s a great feeling,” said Star Cpl. Jose Rivera of the HPD’s criminal investigation division. “It’s a great event. Everybody has smiles on their faces.”

“This is Christmas for the Hinesville Police Department,” said Chief Tracey Howard. “It absolutely makes Christmas for us. It showcases what the Hinesville Police Department is all about.”

While there were treats to be had, including doughnuts and hot chocolate, for the officers, the biggest treat was getting to help the kids pick out what to buy. The families taking part in Shop With a Cop are identified with help from the Liberty County School System.

“Some of them want to buy clothes, some of them want to buy toys and some of them want to buy bicycles,” Rivera said.

Of the approximately 180 families who took part, some of them were identified by officers on calls.

“When they go to a house, they may see a need,” Chief Howard said. “You’d be surprised at the charitable contributions this police department makes. I’ve seen officers buying food for them.”

The effort also relies on donations from outside groups, and checks to help out were coming in Saturday morning. Sgt. Bryan Wolfe coordinates and shepherds the annual event.

Rivera said the department is grateful for the help from local businesses, organizations and individuals who make the Shop With a Cop possible.

“My hat’s off to Sgt. Wolfe. He works very hard at this, and he works all year long,” Rivera said.

Lewis Levine contributed to this report.