Joy and Christmas spirit abounded as Bowie County law enforcement agents, firefighters and first responders took part in Shop with a Cop and Firefighter Tuesday at Target.
One hundred needy children ages 4 to 13 were served by the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department program.
The children received $120 to spend and were paired with a volunteer or two to help them shop.
"For the first year ever, we've been able to increase the amount from $100 to $120," said Shawn Vaughn, public information officer for TTPD.
Target kicked in a 20-percent-off discount, which brought the total up to $150.
Carissa Grant, an 8-year-old from New Boston, Texas, had her heart set on getting a doll.
"I want dolls or an Elf on the Shelf," she said. A smile brightened her face as she found the perfect doll and put it in her shopping cart.
Carissa shopped with Jason Wooldridge, a police officer for Liberty-Eylau.
"I love doing this. It feels good to give back to the kids and to help the less fortunate," Wooldridge said.
In addition to those in law enforcement, many community volunteers also pitched in to help spread cheer.
Maddie Horn, a Pleasant Grove cheerleader, was there with the rest of her squad. She spent time visiting with the kids before they started shopping.
"I really enjoy talking to all the kids," she said. "I feel like they look up to me because I'm a cheerleader, especially the girls, and they think that's kind of cool."
Seeing the community come together to brighten the lives of underprivileged children is what Christmas is all about, participants say.
"This has really grown into a community event," Vaughn said. "This is when Christmas time starts every year for me. For these kids, it may be the only time they see police officers when it's not a bad situation. This gives them a chance to hang out and have a good time. For us it's an opportunity to meet a child and do something nice for them."
Shop with a Cop and Firefighter is funded through a variety of small fundraisers taking place throughout the year.
"We worked with the Dusty Rose Band to have a concert in July, and we did really well with that. We have a lot of small fundraisers all year long, and we also get donations from the community," Vaughn said.
Children who participated were chosen by Child Protective Services.
TTPD had another event later Tuesday afternoon to give out 30 bicycles and helmets donated by Academy.