Officers from the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Gowrie Police Department served as Santa’s helpers Tuesday and Wednesday to 90 students who shopped for gifts to put under the tree.

“This event really helps kids and families in need,” said Fort Dodge Police Capt. Steve Hanson. “It’s another great event to help build a positive public relationship and to help others.”

This was the 22nd annual Santa Cops event which is sponsored by the Fort Dodge Police Association and hosted by Target.

According to Hanson, who is also president of the Fort Dodge Police Association, each child was given $150 to spend on holiday gifts for themselves and their family. All funding for the event was provided in donations made to the Police Association.

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Fort Dodge Community School’s School Resource Officer Jordan Hager went shopping with area students this week as part of the annual Santa Cops event.

“It’s very rewarding to spend time on a one-on-one basis in a positive environment with the kids,” said Hanson. “It’s a good opportunity to get to know the kids and help each child and their family.”

The children were chosen to participate in the Santa Cops program by their school district. Students from throughout Webster County were chosen.

“This event is one of my favorites of the year,” said Gowrie Police Chief Molly Anderson. “There are so many smiles for the kiddos we shop with.

“Many of them want to buy gifts for others like their family and friends,” she added. “Others want a new, cool toy that they wouldn’t otherwise get. I also have kiddos each year that want to shop for clothing, shoes and hygiene products. As a female, I often have girls who want to try on cute outfits and want my opinion on clothing and shoes. All these kiddos are very aware of what they need. They set out on a mission. Sometimes running with a face of smiles, sometimes with a face of tears from excitement. ‘This is the best day ever,’ I’ve heard more than once.”

Anderson said the students are given as much time as they need to choose their gifts. All law enforcement who participated in the event volunteered their time to help area children.

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Fort Dodge Police Association President Captain Steve Hanson led the 22nd annual Santa Cops event at Target. Ninety area students in need were able to shop for holiday gifts thanks to community donations.

“The night is all about them,” said Anderson. “As law enforcement, there are very few positive and rewarding things quite like Santa Cop. I am so thankful for the event.”

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Fort Dodge Police Officer Brandon Mills just started with the department on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, he was helping area children in need to shop for holiday gifts as part of the annual Santa Cops event in Fort Dodge.