Orlando police hold 'Shop With a Cop' event

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of local kids will have a brighter Christmas, thanks to Orlando police's "Shop with a Cop" event. 

Officers, including Police Chief John Mina, took 52 children to Walmart on Kirkland road in Orlando today for a special Christmas shopping spree.

Each child was given a $50 gift card before entering the store. 

Orlando police chose two children from the 26 elementary schools in Orlando to participate in "Shop with a Cop." 

Children are thrilled to get new toys for Christmas. But for officers, it's all about building relationships with the kids in a non-law enforcement setting. They feel it allows the children to see a different side of police officers and build positive connections with them at a young age.

This is Orlando Police Department's 13th year hosting the event.