BATH, NY (WENY) -- About a dozen kids had the chance to buy whatever they wanted from the stores for the annual Bath 'Shop with a Cop' event. However, these kids are from a domestic violence shelter. They might not have had a positive experience with police in the past.

"This event with the shelter children we do every year for over 10 years. These kids come from displaced families, homes, etc. So they need shelter, usually from domestic violence. This Christmas event with the cops is a way for the children to be able to like law enforcement again and get them used to them and realize that they're not the bad guys," said Event Organizer and Crimes Victim Advocate, Elizabeth (Beth) Covert.

When the kids got to the VFW in Bath, they got to play with the police cars. Then, they went to Tractor Supply, Family Dollar, and Dollar General. Each kid was paired with an officer and could buy things for themselves or family members.

"Once they warm up to you, they start telling you who they are [and] where they're from. To see the joy they get by buying gifts for their family members is just awesome," said Chief Jason Dininny of the Village of Hammondsport Police Department.

Chief Dininny said this helps kids not to be afraid of police officers.

"We try to build a positive relationship with the kids. It works out every time I've done this in trying to make that connection of we're just a regular person, they can trust us, and they can come to us in a time of need," said Chief Dininny.

The day 'wrapped up' with the officers and kids wrapping gifts. Afterward, they ate lunch together and talked about the fun they had.