"Shop with a Cop" hosted by Burlington Township Police

BURLINGTON, N.J. (WTXF) - Christmas came early for some families on a shopping spree in Target.

"You got some Shopkins and some Hatchimals."

7-year-old Yesenia filled up her cart. Her 9-year-old brother Jordan had a list, while 10-year-old Xavier combed the aisles looking for what he wanted.

The kids are shopping with police officers by their side. The Burlington Township Police Department is playing Santa. They secured a grant with Target to help four families in need.

Glenda Wimberly's family is one of them.

"Raising grandchildren on fixed budgets and then to get a call and say we got something special for you we want you to come and have the children shop. It's overwhelming and I'm just truly grateful," she said.

She's been struggling to raise her grandkids since they were three, four, and 18 months old.

"That you would have the Burlington Township Police honor what they stand for, protect and serve. This is part of the service, and I love it" said Wimberly.

Bruce Painter, director of Public Safety for the police department agreed.

"We are there not to just enforce laws we are there to help the community out," said Painter.

"We'll take them back to our police department, wrap them up and throughout the week we'll get them to each individual house so parents can get them under their Christmas tree and give them to their kids," said Painter.

The families were referred by community service organizations.

"I know the boys need boots and the children are getting baptized on Christmas Eve and Yaya needs a beautiful dress," said Wimberly.

She said she could not thank the department enough for lightening the financial load and putting smiles on the kids' faces.

"I love it and I'm very grateful," she said.

This is the second year the department and FOP have partnered with Target for the event, although they've helped families during the holiday for several years before.