SALT LAKE COUNTY — More than 100 children got to hang out with police officers Saturday during the annual “Shopping with the Shield” event.

This year, deputies and officers with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Unified Police Department donated more than $40,000 for the shopping that helped 39 families.

Carts were loaded with toys, as well as everyday household items the families needed.  

Most of the families were recommended through local schools, and officers also passed along names of families they encountered while responding to calls.

All of the money was donated by the deputies and officers themselves.

“They donate money and then we allow them to wear, grow beards, and wear polish on their nails or color their hair for our female officers,” said Sheriff Rosie Rivera with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Rivera said beyond the benefits to the families, the event helps officers and deputies build positive relationships with the community.