VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Valley City, Jamestown and Lisbon Police Departments along with the North Dakota Highway Patrol teamed up for the annual Santa, Cops and Kids event on December 18.

Law enforcement officers paired with a child in the community to enjoy a meal at Pizza Corner before shopping for Christmas gifts for them and their family at Shopko in Valley City. Once the gifts were purchased, volunteers wrapped the gifts at the Dacotah Bank Pavilion in Chautauqua Park in Valley City.

Event coordinator Lt. Dana Rustebakke said, “This event is conducted every year thanks to donations from businesses and individuals in the community. It is this generosity which has ensured the program’s success, and puts smiles on the kids’ faces.”

The children are selected based on various criteria, such as financial hardship, family loss, military deployment, or other circumstances that make the holiday season a little harder to endure.

If an individual or business would like to donate to the local Santa, Cops and Kids program mail your donation to the Valley City Police Department or drop them off at the Police Department. If donating with a check, make checks payable to FOP James Valley Lodge #4.