Many families in the Jefferson County area are struggling to put gifts under the tree this Christmas season, but Saturday, local law enforcement lent a helping hand. Our Amanda Kelley tells us about the eighth annual Shop with a Cop, and how it continues to bring holiday cheer to dozens of local families.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- Police cars rushed off to Walmart Saturday looking to spread holiday cheer. Officers teamed up with 40 local kids in need for the eighth annual "Shop with a Cop" in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Department Deputy Krystal Rice said, "I do shop with a cop every year, and every year it's heartwarming. It really truly is. It's something to experience with the kids and giving back to the community."

Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns said, "We were able to give the children 150 dollars this year to just go out and shop for themselves or family members, and then we go to Sams club for a pizza party."

The kids didn't waste any time Saturday searching the store for some hot items.

Rachel Bishop, 7, said,"I bought a Barbie and it has a puppy and I like it, it's cute."

As the kids are getting to pick out some of their favorite holiday toys, they're also getting to put presents under the tree for the ones they love the most.

Tyler Anderson, 5, said, "I got something for my sister and something for my other sister and something for my brother, something for my dad, something for my mom and something for me."

Sheriff Burns said, "We find that out every year. The children, they want to buy for their mom and dad, brothers and sisters, the little girl I had today wanted to buy for her dog"

Making the shopping experience even more special for the officers who get to help out.

Deputy Rice said, "It's huge, we give to the kids because we want them to have a Christmas that is memorable, and to watch them give back to members of their own family, it's a selfless thing."

As the purchases were rung up for yet another successful year, these young ones couldn't help but smile, thankful for the gifts, and the friends they've made.

Zoey Corbett, 6, said, "They buyed me all of this stuff and they're hard workers."

The 40 children who took part in Shop with a Cop were chosen with the help of the Salvation Army, local schools and several other organizations.