GAYLORD, MI -- With the holidays quickly approaching, local police departments in Gaylord stepped up to help give needy children a special christmas this year.

The Walmart in Gaylord gave under-privileged kids a chance to "shop with a cop" today, and the day started off with a lights and siren drive to the store.

More than 100 children were given a $100 gift card that they could use to purchase gifts for their family and for themselves.

The money is raised from local businesses and individuals in the community.  Linn Energy and Feeny Chrysler Dodge gave big donations.

Donations that allow these youngsters to shop till they drop.

"It's just great, this is a great time of the year. Like I said, I don't know who has more fun, if it's us or the kids, so i't a great time of the year, we all enjoy it, we really do," said Gaylord Police Chief Joe Fitzgerald.

There were a lot of smiles as children got to pick out what they wanted during the shopping spree.

15 officers and local high school students volunteered their time.

They also got a chance to get a picture with Santa Claus.

And because of such generous community donations, "shop with the cop" helped out a record number of kids this year.