Deserving children in the Oxford area will be receiving a little something extra this holiday season.

Oxford and Miami University Police Departments (MUPD) are teaming up with Wal-Mart to participate in a nationwide program called Shop-with-a-Cop.

According to Sgt. Jim Squance of the Oxford Police Department (OPD), 20 to 25 deserving kids who performed well in school and are respectful of adults and others will be able to go on a shopping spree with an officer from either OPD or MUPD.

"We allow them to buy anything they want within reason," Squance said.

According to Squance, the program is funded by Wal-Mart and the children are chosen through local police departments. 

Police departments across the nation are able to make their own recommendations and qualifications for children to receive this gift.

"This allows area children to interact with police in a positive way," Squance said.

He said that the personal interaction between each officer who is matched one-on-one with a child provides an opportunity for children to get to know police in a non-threatening environment.

According to Squance, this is an annual event for officers at Oxford and MUPD.

The Oxford area Shop-with-a-Cop shopping spree will take place Dec. 17.