Some students may remember spending long days at the mall.

If they were young enough, holding on to a parent’s or guardian’s hand may have been required.

Times have changed, and Ames children may have a different experience this year. Nearly 100 Ames children will be walking through the stores this year holding the hand of a police officer.

For the past three years the Ames Police Department has sponsored Shop With a Cop program. The program is not sponsored nationally, but it is supported in many communities.

“This year the program is truly unique. We are keeping the program entirely local. This way all the money which is being raised in the Ames community stays in the Ames community,” Officer Shawn Phipps said. Phipps is president of the Ames program.

“In years past we have used telemarketers to raise money. This year we are keeping the fund raising within the police department,” she said.

Phipps said they will be shopping at the K-Mart in town so the program results in even more community benefits.

“The kids and the officers board the Cy-Ride and are on their way to K-Mart. After everyone is finished shopping they go back to the station and wrap the presents,” Phipps said.

The program is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 14.

“The officers have a wonderful time with kids. They feel it also helps them build rapport with the children. It is nice to have their trust at this young of an age,” Phipps said.

Officers participating in the program are part of the Ames Police Benevolent Association. The association is comprised of more than 70 current and retired officers. The mission of the association is to provide financial assistance to local organizations, Phipps said.

Phipps said the department is “very excited to see the turnout this year.” While only 25 kids took part in the program during its first year in 1994, the program already has over 100 children who are interested in participating in 1996.

The Shop with a Cop program is open to all Story County children aged 6-17.

Interested participants can sign up at the police station. The station is still accepting donations.