LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — Members of a western Michigan sheriff’s department pooled their money to buy shoes for children caught up in a shoplifting case.

The Ludington Daily News reports Mason County sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Lamb, Deputy Kyle Boyd and Deputy John Balowski responded in October to a shoplifting complaint at a Wal-Mart where the children’s parents tried to steal shoes by having them wear them out of the store.

The officers took a complaint and pursued legal action against the children’s father, but then pooled their money and paid for shoes for the children.

Sheriff Kim Cole says a store manager alerted him to the actions of his officers. Afterward, Cole says Wal-Mart donated flashlights for search-and-rescue crews.