SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – It’s the season of giving, and local law enforcement are making sure no child goes without a toy during during the annual “Shop with a Cop”.

40 Springfield elementary school students teamed up with the Springfield Police Department and the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department for the holiday shopping spree.

The kids checked off some gifts from their Christmas wish-list at the Walmart on Boston Road. 22News learned what makes this tradition special for everyone involved.

“When you can put a smile on any young child’s face, that says its all,” said Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Nickolas Cocchi. “If you can do that, then you have head one heck of a productive day!”

Jolly old Saint Nick, Santa Claus himself, told 22News, “It’s a really bad thing when you wake up in the morning and not have a Christmas gift under the tree. We are happy to help out to make sure every kid can have a Christmas present this year.”

Sheriff Cocchi adds that this annual event gives local law enforcement the chance to come together and support area youth.