The annual Shop with a Cop event took place Thursday in Durango, but it took on a different form than in previous years.

Nick Stasi, a sergeant with the Durango Police Department and president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8, which organized the event, estimated there were 60 law enforcement officers in the Walmart parking lot helping to hand out toys and clothes to families.

During a normal year, families and children are paired with one or two officers and wander through the aisles of Walmart, able to pick out anything they’d like, up to $150 worth of goods.

This year, because of COVID-19 restrictions, Stasi and the lodge had to change the format. Families shopped by themselves before the event, placed the items they wanted in layaway at the store and officers paid for all the items after families shopped. Items were handed out to families in a drive-thru format Thursday morning.

The event is supposed to foster better relationships between community members and law enforcement. Stasi was initially worried the change of format would impact the spirit of the event. However, he was excited about how it went.

“It was a tremendous success despite the difficulties that everyone has to work around with COVID restrictions. ... The spirit was fantastic,” Stasi said.

Stasi reported families seem to really enjoy the event.

“There were a lot of smiles this morning,” he said.

The event supported 141 children from 56 families in La Plata County. Shop with a Cop was also held Dec. 3 in Pagosa Springs and supported 60 children from Archuleta County. The lodge reached its fundraising goal, with each child being able to spend up to $150.

“It was a really good success. I want to thank the community for the support,” Stasi said. “We look forward to doing it next year, hopefully returning to the normal way of doing things.”