SOUTH POINT — Law enforcement agencies in Lawrence County have kicked off the annual apple butter fundraiser for the Shop With a Cop program.

Every year, about 50 or 60 officers and their families get together to cook the apple butter. The quart jars, available in both regular and sugar-free, sell for $8 each and are available through The Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and city police stations, Sgt. Chris Smith, with the highway patrol, said.

All proceeds go to the Shop With A Cop program, which helps underprivileged children at Christmas, Smith said.

The program, which began about eight years ago and involves law enforcement throughout Lawrence County, finds the neediest cases from candidates submitted. Children who are selected are taken to Wal-mart, where clothing, bedding, necessities and toys are purchased for them.

This year’s event is set for Dec. 7. Afterward, officers will take the children to Ponderosa for a dinner, where they will get a visit from Santa, Smith said.

“We’re able to help, on average, 50 to 55 families a year,” Smith said. “It’s about making Christmas brighter and it gives the kids a good interaction with law enforcement, which they often don’t have. They see the officers in a different light.”

Smith said those interested in donating to the program or nominating a child can contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol or the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

The apple butter is available from law enforcement agencies countywide.

In South Point, those interested in purchasing jars can drop by police headquarters, weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Chief of Police Chris Mahjer said. If no one is present at the office at the time, they can call the number on the outside of the building to contact an officer, he said.