Merced County children get holiday fun with 'Shop with a Cop' event

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Christmas came early for several kids in Merced County.

It's all thanks to a program that paired them with Merced police officers, who turned into Santa's helpers.

Tuesday, the department hosted its "Shop with a Cop" event at the Merced Mall.

Children were paired with an officer and then given money to spend on gifts for themselves and their families.

Kids were also treated to a free lunch and got to meet Santa Claus.

The students were picked by their schools.

Officer Spencer Aguirre said this event brought cheer to more than just the kids.

"It's super exciting," he said. "It cheers me up."

The police department and mall work together to make the shopping spree possible.