Skyler Vosburgh, 6, of Eagle Point, shows U.S. Forest Service Enforcement Officer Sean McMullen the ways of the Force in the Eagle Point Walmart toy aisle Wednesday as part of the "Shop with a Cop" event.

As Eagle Point resident Sierra Roberts and her two children stood in line outside her local Walmart last Wednesday evening, it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Not because of any sign of snow, but for the fact that her children were about to pick their presents with police for the annual “Shop with a Cop” event hosted by the Eagle Point Police Department and focusing on families in need.

“We’re all in for it,” said Roberts, who made a cheering sound as her daughter Emma, 8, held her close and son Ryland, 9, clutched their shopping cart before entering Walmart with a greeting by Larry The Moose.

“Shop with a Cop,” which has been held in Eagle Point for more than a decade, saw a handful of officers from Eagle Point police and other agencies accompany 100 children and their families to the toy section of the mega-retailer to pick out gifts.

Shoppers used gift cards — at $100 apiece — that were made possible through donations from the Eagle Point School District, the community and Walmart.

Last Wednesday marked the first “Shop with a Cop” for Jim Hamilton in his capacity as chief of the Eagle Point Police Department — a job he has held for the past six months. Hamilton was all smiles with families as he stood close to the section of the store that sold Barbie dolls. He chalked up his comfort level to the fact that he raised daughters.

All kidding aside, by last Wednesday, Hamilton already knew what it was like to participate in “Shop with a Cop,” owing to his years working for the Grants Pass Police Department.

“It’s a blast. It’s a great time to interact with them,” Hamilton said of the children who participate. “You get to know them and they get to know you.”

The chief acknowledged some of the children might have difficult situations at home, which is why “Shop with a Cop” could be a unique opportunity to get gifts they might not otherwise have under the Christmas tree.

“That’s huge,” Hamilton said.

Eagle Point High School student Braxton McBee, 17, scoured the aisles last week looking for a “nice” Lego set and personal hygiene items for him and his family. He said was thankful for the “Shop with a Cop” event.

“It was a hard time for us. We did struggle a bit. We needed some help and this is great thing for us to be able to get our stuff without worrying about how we spend the money,” McBee said.

Susan Johnson of Eagle Point took two of her grandchildren, Greata, 8, and Raelynn, 4, with her to Walmart while her son split up to explore other parts of the store with his other two kids.

“We’re very blessed, it’s a sweet thing to be nominated (to participate),” Johnson said. “(It will) make the kids feel a little more special.”

Johnson said she wanted her grandchildren to learn through participation in “Shop with a Cop” that police do more than keep the community safe from “the bad guys.”

“They’re also here to support us in our community and to be here at special events like this,” Johnson said.

Roberts, who noted she has been out of work for a while, called the annual event “a relief.”

“100%,” she said. “This is a real big help as a parent, especially.”

Roberts’ daughter, Emma, said she wanted gumballs and a FurReal horse during the shopping spree. Ryland, meanwhile, was clamoring for a Ryan’s World giant mystery egg and a Nerf gun.

The Nerf gun was one of the first items in the Roberts family’s shopping cart.

While “Shop with a Cop” may be a great opportunity for kids in need, Roberts said she is mindful of what she of what she really wants her kids to think about this time of year.

“It’s not about the money, it’s not about the gifts — it’s about being together,” Roberts said.