Helping others is always the aim of law enforcement, but shopping for Barbies and Legos isn’t always in the job description.

Several law enforcement agencies in Story County are helping disadvantaged families by participating in the ninth annual Shop with a Cop in Ames.

The program, which began in 1994, has helped more than 1,000 children by raising money to give to families in need.

Using that money, more than 40 officers, 30 volunteers and 150 children will peruse the aisles of Kmart, 1405 Buckeye Ave., early Saturday morning in search of Christmas gifts.

Flyers are made and delivered to the Department of Human Services, the Boys and Girls Club and the Ames Police Department. Each interested family has to apply and send in a written letter to the officers.

Sgt. Rory Echer, Shop with a Cop co-coordinator, said the program has grown from few applications in 1994 to so many applications some have to be turned down.

Officers volunteer their time to help organize the event.

“My wife does the brochures and mailing and we all contribute our time,” said Sgt. Geoff Huff, Shop with a Cop co-coordinator.

Huff joined the organization in 1997 and has helped raise interest in the Shop with a Cop program. He said last year ISU football player Seneca Wallace stopped by to visit with the kids.

“It’s always nice to know that your doing a lot of good,” Huff said.

In addition to the officers’ involvement, CyRide and KMart volunteer resources for the event.

CyRide donates three buses and drivers to transport the children and officers from City Hall to Kmart.

“This is just a wonderful thing that we are able to do,” said Karen Jamison, operations supervisor for CyRide.

CyRide has been involved with the Shop with a Cop program in Ames since its first year. The first year, only one bus was needed.

The morning begins for the children at 7 a.m., when everyone climbs off the bus and into Kmart. One officer is assigned to a group of three to four children.

Breakfast is served from the cafe before and after shopping and Santa Claus is in attendance. Children are allowed to buy gifts for their families and themselves.

The children usually buy gifts for their family first, before buying for themselves, said Lyle Hundertmark, manager at Kmart.

“It’s nice to see we are helping out the families in our own neighborhood,” Hundertmark said.

Hundertmark said he has seen Shop for a Cop grow since his employment at the store.

“Ten years ago, they asked if we were interested in participating,” he said. “And yeah, we sure are.”

Hundertmark said the program helps relationships form between law enforcement officers and the community.

“You’re helping kids in need and families during the holiday season,” he said.