Thanks to the Colonial Regional Police, nine local families will have a Merry Christmas this year. For the eighth year in a row, police provided local children with an experience they'll remember the rest of their lives.

It's an experience the police remember, too.

The cold December Saturday morning started as officers, accompanied by Santa's helper, picked the children up at their homes in a police cruiser. From there, it was off to breakfast at Chic-Fil-A. Then the fun really started. Children piled into nine cruisers for the procession to Wal-Mart, as emergency lights flashed and sirens wailed away. People in the parking lot stopped in their tracks, jaws dropped, wondering what was happening. But they started smiling as cruiser doors opened and kids emerged, on their way to do some serious shopping.

Armed with lists, and checking them twice, officers and children worked together to get presents for these families. Each child got to pick one out for himself, too. After that, Wal-Mart workers wrapped the gifts, and it was off to lunch at Red Robin.

This "Shop with Cops" program was possible thanks to the generosity of local citizens, the police officers themselves, Giant Food Store, Wal-Mart, Chic-Fil-A and Red Robin.

The boys finished their shopping first. Natasha standing in line, complained, "I hate boys. My brother beats me up."

"But you picked out a present for your brother," answered Claire.

Sgt. John, who doubles as Claire's father, said he loves this event and participates every year.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, even though he was scheduled to go on duty in a few short hours.