It may sound like a shopping spree to benefit children in need, and it is. But Lawrence County’s annual Shop with a Cop is also much more than that.

The event, initially organized by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, is set for Monday and now includes the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the adult probation department. Approximately 30 children will have their Christmases made a little brighter by spending an hour and a half picking out some things they both want and need with the help of a police officer.

This is certainly important but the other component that must not be overlooked is how this helps instill in our youth a positive image of law enforcement that will carry into their adult lives.

Far too often today the media and pop culture can portray law enforcement in a negative light. Programs like Shop with a Cop are important to counteract that and help show children and youth that police officers are simply men and women from our community who are trying to make a difference and make it a better place to live.

That is the type of gift that doesn’t need to be wrapped beneath the tree but will keep on giving all year long and for many years to come.