JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of children went shopping for toys with first responders and community volunteers Tuesday. The Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JAXPAL) held their 17th annual “Christmas for Kids” event .
The event allowed over 200 kids to shop with a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office cop, firefighter, community service officer, or community volunteer at a Walmart store located on 103rd Street.
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Santa and Mrs. Claus also spent time with the kids and took photos with them.
From legos and bikes to clothing and dolls — it is fair to say children enjoyed every second of this Christmas party.
“Very grateful,” Mercedes Melian, mother of two, said. “It’s beautiful to see our community come together and do this for the children, it’s a great blessing for us all.”
JSO Sheriff T.K. Waters attended and said this is a great opportunity to interact with the community in a positive setting.
“I know it’s a blessing to me to be able to come out and be able to talk to young people and see families, and just enjoy the season,” Waters said.
According to JAXPAL, community organizations picked the children who got to participate in this event.