ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - More than 200 children will have a more joyous Christmas this year thanks to the Albany Police Department’s shop with a cop event, known as “Operation Blue Santa.”

According to Albany Police, this year’s event is the largest fundraiser the department has held. Each child was given $100 to spend while shopping alongside officers.

The event helps relieve financial stress families may face during the holidays and gives children the opportunity to build positive relationships with law enforcement in a fun and supportive environment, police said.

“This time of the year is always good to encounter the you know, people in the community. And this is one of the ways that we give back. Thank you for the men and women of the police department who put this together. They have a caring heart for others, and it’s always a pleasure to see families walk away knowing that we we were able to help them during this time of the year because we know how challenging things can be,” an Albany Police representative said.

Other local law enforcement agencies also participated, including the Dougherty County Police Department, the Albany Fire Department and Dougherty County EMS as they work to serve their community during the holiday season.

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