With the recession, job layoffs and other effects of the struggling economy, Shop With a Cop can use some extra help this year.

Organizers of the annual event are asking the community for additional donations so children can be given $50 to shop for Christmas with a police officer at the Wal-Mart store in Covington.

“There’s a greater need this year to help make Christmas brighter for children in our area,” said Patti Jenson, fund-raising coordinator for Maple Valley Rotary, one of the organizations that helps coordinate the program that last year benefitted 300 at-risk and underprivileged children. She said enough money has been raised for the same number of kids this year, but the need for more exists.

Donations can be made through Jenson at Shop With a Cop, in care of Allstate Insurance, 23868 SE. Kent-Kangley Road, Maple Valley, WA 98038.

Children who are chosen to participate are encouraged to purchase something special for themselves.

Shop with a Cop is conducted by Greater King County Police Activities League, deputies from the King County Sheriff Department, Greater Maple Valley Community Center, Wal-Mart and Maple Valley Rotary.