A child shows a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department officer what came in the goodie bag handed out by the FOP.

WARSAW — If you drove by the Warsaw Meijer Thursday night, Dec. 21, you may have wondered why numerous area police vehicles were lined up with their lights flashing in front of the store’s entrance. No one was in trouble, rather officers from all local agencies were gathered to help area kids celebrate Christmas with new clothes and toys with Christmas with a Cop.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 149 has been holding the event for around 20 years, according to former Milford Town Marshal Rich Miotto. Miotto retired from the force earlier this year but enjoys the event and “wouldn’t miss it.”

FOP Lodge President Paul Heaton stated that proceeds from fundraisers throughout the year go toward the event. Around 130 kids were expected to attend this year, the most helped to date, with the FOP expecting to donate around $10,000.

Officers from all of Kosciusko’s agencies helped with the event, taking kids around the store and selecting items. Officers can decide how to go about picking items, but many ask parents their priorities, allowing the kids to pick necessities before moving to the toy aisle.