Aaron Moss, NDFOP #7’s 2nd vice president, said the main goal of the event was to create meaningful connections with area youth who may not receive Christmas presents if not for events like this one. NDFOP #7 asks area schools and social service organizations to nominate their most deserving children for this event.

“The people that are in those positions that work with [the kids] day in and day out know more than we could ever know about those that need. Once they get here we usually have no idea why they’re here and we don’t look at that. We look at ensuring that that child has a good time in a positive environment with law enforcement,” Moss said.

Deputy Ann Millerbernd of the Renville County Sheriff’s Office and sergeant-at-arms for NDFOP #7 has been volunteering for this event for 12 years. Coming from a family of nine, Millerbernd was a recipient as a child of charities that helped families who were struggling to put presents under their trees.

“Honestly, this is the most wonderful day of the entire year for me because I look around and see all the lives that we’re impacting and the relationship that we are building with these kids whose first point of contact with law enforcement might not have been a good one. Today is nothing but smiles, love and hugs,” said Millerbernd.

Angie Reinoehl/MDN About 145 local children waited in line with their family members to check in before they were paired with a law enforcement volunteer for their shopping sprees.

Millerbernd also said she also appreciates how families come together for this event with law enforcement. She pointed out that some kids come with parents, others with aunts and uncles and some come along with foster parents. She said the day centers around the children, including those whose parents may not have a positive relationship with law enforcement but still come out so their children can start a positive, meaningful relationship with officers.

“This isn’t just my badge. It’s my heart,” Millerbernd said.