The Bryant Police Department in Little Rock, Arkansas, recently gave several dozen students in the community new shoes during their annual giveaway event.

The department hosted the shoe giveaway event at a local Shoe Carnival store, where officers met with students of all ages (elementary to high school) to pick out a pair of shoes for them to take home in preparation for the new school year.

At the end of the day, around 50 kids were able to bring home a new pair of shoes at no cost with help from local police officers.

Bryant Police Officer Todd Crowson said the event is a great way to form relationships between police and youth in the community.

The idea started after officers saw the trend of supply giveaways and decided they wanted to get in on the action and help kids get new shoes.

The department holds fundraisers throughout the year to fund the giveaway.

“Our community has been there for us. We can’t say enough great things about the people who live here, and this is just a way for us to give back and help those who just need a break from everyday worries,” Crowson told ABC 7.

Crowson said he hopes the new shoes will provide a confidence boost for students before the upcoming school year.

“The smile on the kids’ faces says everything. Every child, regardless of age, walked out last night feeling happy because they were able to pick out whatever shoes they wanted. It’s important to show these kids, all kids, that we care about them and we want them to feel important because they are,” Crowson said.

The Bryant Police Department posted photos from the event on Facebook. The caption read:

“Incredible evening buying new shoes for lots of kids to start the new school year in. Thank you to the Bryant Police FOP, Shoe Carnival for all they do and a huge shout-out to everyone that has donated to our FOP. Without you, we could not make this happen. Thank you!”