From left, Lahaina Patrol Officer M. Kalani Miles, Casey Barrett and Buster Barrett roam Big Kmart during “Shop with a Cop” on Dec. 13.

WAILUKU — On Dec. 13, 48 children ranging in age from two to 13 roamed the aisles at Big Kmart in Kahului shopping for anything they pleased. 

Each was accompanied by a member of the Maui Police Department in the annual “Shop with a Cop” event.

For the fourth consecutive year, Maui Family Support Services (MFSS) was asked to identify families that could use some special assistance during the holiday season.

The event was coordinated by the South Maui Kiwanis Club with support from Big Kmart in Kahului and Maui Police Department (MPD). Kiwanis Clubs from elsewhere on Maui also contributed.

MPD officers were on hand to help the children shop for what they wanted, push wagons, help select toys and keep track of how much they spent (up to $100). The children also enjoyed

breakfast and special gifts from Santa.  

Maui Family Support Services is a private, nonprofit agency incorporated in 1980 to provide early childhood development services to families on Maui.

The agency has provided nearly 30 years of continuous service to residents of Maui County. It’s mission is: “to promote healthy family functioning by providing supportive services that build on family strengths utilizing our

collective resources toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect.”

For information, visit www.mfss.org.