KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — This Christmas will be extra special for dozens of children in Kannapolis.
Channel 9 was there as the children picked out presents hand-in-hand with police during the Cops Target Kids Christmas Program held at Target.
Officers shopped with 42 children in the program organized by the police department, along with Target.
Nardaja Harris showed the Channel 9 crew the first toy car she picked out at Target.
"It is really fun," she said. "I've never been out with the officers, so it was really cool and neat to come out. My favorite car is a Mustang and that was the first thing I saw."
Each child received $300 through the Christmas program, which is funded by donors and partners.
"We take half of that money and let them buy whatever clothing they need -- shoes, coats," said Lt. Daniel Wallace. "Then we let them go and pick out some toys."
Police hope this positive memory will last a lifetime.
"(We) give the kids an inside look at what police officers do and create that relationship with the kids," Wallace said. "Hopefully they'll see police officers in a positive light."
Police said the number of applicants for the program and donations increase every year.
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