Santa Claus is lifted by a group of female law enforcement officers at Walmart in Yuba City during the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Evidence Technician Daisy Aguilar

YUBA/SUTTER, CA (MPG) – More than 100 local children were treated to a holiday shopping spree last month as regional law enforcement agencies participated in annual “Shop with a Cop” events across Yuba and Sutter counties.

In Sutter County, Detective Vishaal Virk served as the program’s coordinator, a volunteer role he has held for the past two years.

“I personally have a soft spot for kids,” said Virk. “Even when I was working patrol, when I would see kids living in cars or tents, I would always try to go out of my way and do whatever I could… When this opportunity came up I jumped on it real quick, and it’s just about giving back to the community, especially the kids, and it’s a wonderful feeling.”

A child enters Walmart in Yuba City accompanied by a Sutter County Probation officer during the annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Evidence Technician Daisy Aguilar

Planning for the event began months before the holiday season. Virk said the department reached out to every elementary school in the county to help identify two students from each school who could benefit from the program.

In November, the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Sutter County Fire Department to provide free Thanksgiving meals to more than 30 local families during the department’s inaugural Turkey Drive. Approximately 50 children were identified by Sutter County schools to benefit from that effort, as well as the 19th annual Shop with a Cop event.

“Every year historically it’s always been a $100 gift card, but this year I bumped it up to $125,” said Virk. “We also added a special dinner event at the Sheriff’s Office before going to Walmart.”

The celebration began Dec. 18 at the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, where children and their families gathered for a warm meal, entertainment and a visit from a live reindeer before receiving a police escort to Walmart in Yuba City. A costumed Grinch also made an appearance, reportedly attempting to “steal Christmas,” before officers quickly took him into custody to the delight of attendees.

A Yuba City Police Officer accompanies a child through the aisles at Walmart in Yuba City during the annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Evidence Technician Daisy Aguilar

Local sponsors for the Sutter County event included Starbucks, Little Caesars Pizza and Cookie Tree. Participating agencies included the Yuba City Police Department, Sutter County Probation, the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office and California Fish and Game.

“Watching the kids’ faces light up as they shopped for gifts reminds us why we serve this amazing community,” the Yuba City Police Department said in a public statement shared on social media. “A huge thank you to all our partner agencies, Walmart, and everyone who donates to make this possible year after year. Together, we’re building positive connections and making memories that last.”

At Walmart officers were seen escorting children through store aisles, helping them select gifts. Children told CBS reporters they felt safe throughout the experience and enjoyed spending time with officers. Law enforcement personnel said they were especially touched when some children chose to spend part of their money on gifts for parents and family members.

Children wrap gifts at a free gift-wrapping station at Walmart in Yuba City during the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Evidence Technician Daisy Aguilar

Virk also emphasized the importance of recognizing the many individuals and organizations who helped make the event possible, including Battalion Chief Carlos Del Rio of the Sutter County Fire Department, WinCo Foods and Walmart of Yuba City,  along with local businesses, service clubs, memorial chapels, markets, auto shops, feed and supply stores, and sheriff’s office personnel who contributed time, funds and resources.

“It’s a wonderful feeling giving back to our community,” said Virk. “It’s not always the protect and serve that people think that we do. There’s other parts to our job as well and sometimes it’s to lift people that are down.”

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office also hosted a Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 16. According to a public statement from the agency, Walmart donated $5,000, along with several other community members who helped make the event possible.

Detective Vishaal Virk, left, poses with Santa Claus and Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes during a holiday celebration at the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 18 in Yuba City. Virk served as coordinator for this year’s Shop with a Cop event. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Evidence Technician Daisy Aguilar

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office reported that more than 60 local children each received $100 to shop for holiday gifts, with Yuba County public safety personnel volunteering their time to accompany each child.

“This event is something our employees truly look forward to every year,” the sheriff’s office said in a public statement. “It’s a chance to interact with our community in a joyful, positive way, and to make the holidays a little brighter for local kids.”

The agency also recognized Yuba County Superintendent of Schools Rob Gregor for serving as Santa once again.

“A big shout out to Superintendent Rob Gregor with the Yuba County Office of Education for being our Santa again this year,” the statement continued. “Thank you for supporting our youth and strengthening our community!”

Deputy Kristina Hayes escorts the Grinch out of the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office during a holiday celebration held prior to the Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 18 in Yuba City. Photo courtesy of Sutter County Evidence Technician Daisy Aguilar