Children get to 'shop with a cop'

About 65 children participated in the "Shop With a Cop" event, which let them go on a spending spree with Wake County sheriff deputies and police from agencies, including Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville and North Carolina State University.

"It certainly makes the season bright, not only for them but for the police officers, too," said Maj. Rick Grayson of the Raleigh Police Department. "It makes us feel really good, and the kids are extremely excited."

Raleigh police officers gave 15 children a $100 allowance to spend at Wal-Mart. Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison joined in at the K-Mart on Western Boulevard, where Lodge #41 of the Fraternal Order of Police gave $150 gift cards to more than 50 children.

At both locations, a law enforcement officer was paired with children and went through the store with them, ready to help them keep track of the money.

Officers and deputies said the children were generous with their holiday money.

"Many children had lists that not only included what they wanted and needed, but what they wanted to buy for moms, dads, little brothers and sisters," Phyllis Stevens, public-information officer for Wake County, said in a release.

Grayson said he hoped the holiday spirit shown to the children made a lasting impression.

"Everybody needs a role model, and that is what we are trying to do here," he said.