When Lehigh Township Police asked staff of Lehigh Elementary School to suggest four children to Shop with a Cop, the school suggested Paige and Raya Kraus and Mark and Travis Pagano, two sets of twins. On the Dec. 21, 2013 outing, Mark and Travis' brother Dale was also invited.

The joyful morning began with the children picked up in police vehicles. Each family was given a $75 gift card for Pathmark to buy food and other items needed for a happy holiday. The children, their volunteer police officers and two of the officers' wives also enjoyed breakfast at Blue Mountain Restaurant.

After Dawn Enstrom, wife of officer Matthew Enstrom, told Dale Pagano pictures would be taken and they would be in the newspaper, she added, "we'll have to get your autograph then."

Chocolate milk disappeared quickly during the meal. Dale said happily he had gotten 100 on a math test.

Police Chief Scott Fogel invited the families to the police station to see the new detention cell.

Packs of four colorful cupcakes went home with each family.

Bob Cherry, who was at the restaurant for breakfast, asked if the children behaved themselves, as he headed for the door. He later returned to the restaurant and presented Fogel with a donation toward the event.

Although each child had a list, when asked what they wanted to buy, the usual response was a shrug.

Dale Pagano was asked what he intended to buy Harley, his dog. He said he wanted to get him a hot dog.

Twin girls Paige and Raya Kraus wanted to see how long Officer John Henry could remain quiet. They laughed once he began talking again.

As they entered Kmart, each child was given a goody bag, including a Santa hat.

Christine Hildebrand, of Kmart's human resources department, said children usually buy gifts for family members before they choose something for themselves.

Sponsoring the event were Susquehanna and First Niagara banks, Lehigh Valley Spinal Care, Lehigh Township Police Association, Blue Mountain Restaurant, Kmart and anonymous citizens of Lehigh Township.

Kmart provided the paper and tape for wrapping the gifts.

The event made Christmas more special for the five young people and for the volunteer officers who helped.