Paired with a police officer, 42 needy Sebastian County children had the opportunity to make their Christmas brighter this past Saturday during the second Annual Kids, Cops and Christmas event in Greenwood.

The Greenwood Police Department and the F.O.P. Lodge #74 started their Kids, Cops and Christmas program last year.

"The program was established to build positive relationships between police officers and the children of the community," stated Greenwood Lieutenant and F.O.P. President Will Dawson.

The funds used for this program are raised within the community through donations.

"It's amazing the way the community continues to support the police department and their efforts to help those less fortunate in the community during these tough times", said Lt. Will Dawson.

The event took place at the Greenwood Wal-Mart Saturday morning. There was two sessions, one in the morning from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and one in the afternoon from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Wal-Mart extended tremendous support through donations and by also setting up cashiers just for the event.

All donors were important and a complete list of donors will be available on the F.O.P.'s Facebook page.

"The event was a success again thanks to the community," stated Sgt. Nicholas Driscoll.

"It makes our year to see the smiles on the children's faces."