240 kids with hardships shop with police officers for gifts in St. Paul, Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota police officers and roughly 240 kids with hardships came together on Saturday morning to do some holiday shopping in St. Paul.  The annual Shop with a Cop tradition is now in its 15th year.  

Armed with shopping carts and huge hearts, the kids spent the day finding Christmas presents for their families.

“There was a 14-year-old young man who said ‘thank you, this is the first time I've been able to buy a Christmas present for my mom,’” fundraiser Jeff Gardner said.

Volunteers helped raised $18,000 for the event. Partnerships with Target and other businesses also help to make it work.  And it doesn't end at the checkout.  The celebration continues with gift wrapping, lunch, and trying to make as many kids as possible happy for Christmas.

“Just to see the smile on their face,” organizer and St. Paul police officer Amber Laron said. “I mean I have family at home and I left them to be here today, I've been doing this since I came on for 8 years and I wouldn't miss it.”

Next weekend they'll do it all over again on the east side of St. Paul with police and firefighters.