ALTAVISTA, Va. (WSET) — Law enforcement is helping give 72 children from Altavista gifts for Christmas this year.

Saturday, with a cop by their side, the kids went on an extra-special holiday shopping spree at Walmart.

Each kid was given $150 to spend. All the money was completely donated by the community.

“It’s just a blessing, having five kids – kind of tough during the holidays,” Ke’lan Logan, a father to Christmas shoppers, said.

Altavista Police has been putting this Christmas tradition on for years, but they get help from other law enforcement agencies in the area, like Campbell County, the BWXT Police and more.

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They all say it’s their favorite time of the year.

“It’s really fun to be with the children and watch their faces glow and smile while they’re out shopping for themselves, picking out what they want,” Campbell County Sheriff, Whit Clark said.

The Altavista Police chief, Tommy Merricks, said the event is based on financial need and involves children who would benefit from positive interactions with a police officer.

“People don’t call the police, and say you know ‘I’m having a good day,’ most of the time we see people at their worst. And that’s why events like this are so important because we get to interact with children and their families and show them – hey, we are people just like they are,” Merricks said.

“Showing the cops like, you know – don’t be afraid of cops, that is definitely something I want to teach my kids growing up,” Logan said.

This is just one way the police in our area are fostering strong relationships with the community – just this time – they’re also spreading holiday cheer.