A little blond-haired girl, escorted by a law enforcement officer, looked up at him, clapped her hands together and squealed, "Toys!"

Another little boy, "Eric" written across his nametag, protectively clung to a shopping cart in an effort to guide it towards Wal-Mart's toy section.

"We're going to look at toys,"Eric told the other kids in his group, bubbling with excitement.

A wave of children and members of the Missouri Valley Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police descended on the north Wal-Mart Saturday morning, to participate in the first weekend of the lodge's annual Shop with a Cop event.

Each year, teachers and counselors from schools across the area nominate children who may have tough situations at home to shop with members of the FOP. This year, 130 children were nominated, and about 20 members of law enforcement volunteered their time.

Wal-Mart gives $50 towards each child's shopping spree.

Some children know exactly how to spend it, said Missy Hilsendeger, with the Bismarck Police Department. Others are meticulous, and some even spend it on family or friends.

Mataya, the excitable 6-year-old blond-haired girl, bought a poinsettia for her mother, as well as a fluffy sleeping bag for herself, among other items.

Brother and sister team Sierra and J.J. Gohl chose a toy electric guitar, after trying out the game "Guitar Hero"on the big-screen televisions in Wal-Mart's electronics section.

Mark Ahlgren, with the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department, patiently shopped along with the Gohls.

"I just love helping the kids,"he said, adding that this is his sixth year helping.

Hilsendeger agreed, saying seeing the kids' faces makes her come back every year. She's worked with the event for seven years.

"They seem really happy,"she said.

Some children were new to the process, but others, like 10-year-old Kristopher Lewis, have done it before.

"I like buying the stuff that Ialways want,"Lewis said, scanning the aisles for just one more item that would fit in the budget.

Several children looked beyond toys and shopped practically. Sierra Gohl found a new pair of shoes, and 12-year-old Randy Birthmark found a pack of thick socks.

Overall, the mood was light and exciting in Wal-Mart's aisles Saturday. Children bounced from aisles of Legos, board games, CDs and DVDs.

"Sometimes, there's so much stuff, it's just overwhelming,"Ahlgren said.

(Reach reporter Crystal Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com.)