Morehead City, CARTERET COUNTY — Off-duty Morehead City police officers brightened the holiday season for children in Morehead City. Earlier today, officers gathered in a Walmart toy aisle to create a memorable experience for 15 children, allowing them to pick out their dream gifts for the holidays.

Each child received 250 dollars to spend, making a Christmas dream come true. One child shared their gratitude, explaining, “The last couple of years have been rough. My mom had to sign us up for the Angel Tree, so I felt bad for my brother, who only got clothing for Christmas.”

Officers partnered with the children, helping them select toys and building lasting bonds. “It was really fun, and I got a really nice officer,” a child said. “This was a great opportunity to make this Christmas really good.”

Deputy Chief September Tuttle reflected on the event, saying, “That’s what we do—we’re public servants. Being able to have an opportunity like this is phenomenal.”

The children selected for the shopping spree were chosen by school resource officers, who identified those who would benefit most. The nearly $4,000 needed for the event came from fundraisers and Walmart’s Speak Good Grant.

Officers encouraged giving by setting a rule: each child had to spend at least $50 on gifts for someone else, such as parents or siblings. “I got the best value on my cart,” one child said, expressing excitement about both budgeting and shopping for loved ones.

As this annual event entered its third year, it continued to teach children the value of giving and the importance of budgeting. One participant summed up the lesson: “If I’m over budget, I’ll put some of the smaller stuff away to get back on track.”

For many, this was the largest number of toys they had ever received at once, spreading holiday cheer and highlighting the true meaning of the season.