Christmas is a time of giving and the Taylorville Police Department is helping many families and children brighten their holiday. The department had their “Kids, Cops, and Christmas” shopping day Thursday night.

Officer Alan Mills says thanks to the community, the program raised 30-percent more money this year compared to last year. Taylorville Police Chief Brian Hile says the department always wants to help those in need, but it’s the community that makes “Kids, Cops and Christmas” a success each year.

Kathy Moore was shopping for her great-grandson Isom through the program Thursday night. She says this program is very important for making Isom’s Christmas merrier.

Hile says to put on this program is one way his department can have positive interactions with community members.

The “Kids, Cops, and Christmas” program has been helping needy families over the holidays for over 20 years.