ONEIDA — For more than 25 years, the Oneida Police have brought joy to children’s lives with its Shop with a Cop event, and this year was no different.

More than 80 young children from the Oneida City School District were chosen by their schools to participate in the Oneida Police Benevolent Association’s Shop With A Cop.

“We try to make this event for kids in need, but also for kids who have done something extraordinary as a reward,” Investigator Mike Burgess said. “The Oneida PBA has been doing this for 25 years, and before that, it was delivering Christmas baskets to the community. This kind of work has been an ongoing legacy of the Oneida PBA — giving back to the community.”

“And over the years, we’ve taken kids shopping and seen them grow up and become adults,” he continued. “And they’re all talking about how they’ll never forget it.”

Among those shopping this year was five-year-old Olivia Boncella. Children are encouraged to shop for themselves, but that doesn’t stop them from thinking about their families — and her brother was on her list, too.

Waiting in the wing was her grandmother, Darlene Boncella.

Boncella said Olivia was excited to participate in Shop with a Cop for the first time.

“She was a little nervous, and that’s to be expected. This week has been rough. Her mother is currently in the hospital,” she continued. “But this event has definitely taken away some of that anxiety.”

Boncella said she was appreciative of events like this where the community can interact with local law enforcement.

“Sometimes, the cops get a bad rap,” she said. “It shows that they’re out there and helps build a good relationship with them and that they’re here to help.”

Getting in on that holiday cheer builds memories that can last a lifetime — both with the children and the officer shopping with them.

“It’s so worth it to see their little smiles,” Burgess said.

For a second year, the Oneida PBA invited members of the Canastota Police department to assist in shopping with children.

This event is made possible by fundraisers conducted by the membership throughout the year and community donors.