NATCHEZ &8212; The spirit of the season calls for helping others, and that&8217;s just what the Natchez Police Department and other city employees did early Saturday morning.

About 50 local kids, ages 6 to 17, got a holiday treat when they were picked up by police cars for a fun-filled day. First, they were provided breakfast by McDonald&8217;s, then they went to Wal-Mart to pick out a few Christmas gifts.

&8220;We enjoy being able to give back to the community, to families who had a hard time this year,&8221; said Police Chief Mike Mullins.

Lt. Gail Frisby, who has volunteered with the annual project for about 10 years, said although finding the kids in need and raising the necessary funds can be a hard task, it is always rewarding to see the joy on the childrens&8217; faces.

&8220;There are many steps involved. We find kids from the Department of Human Resources, local schools, the Salvation Army, the Guardian Shelter, and sometimes we get call-ins. Once we (make) the list (of kids), we&8217;ll contact the parents and let them know. The parents make a list of things their child needs, things like the basic necessities. And each kid gets one toy. It&8217;s a fun thing, it&8217;s hard work but it&8217;s very fun. The kids are always happy, appreciative and glad. They really enjoy it,&8221; she said.

Most of the kids had a few items in mind that they wanted to find.

Searcy Hayes, 12, eyed a blue jean fur-lined jacket.&8220;My favorite part so far has been eating at McDonald&8217;s, and getting to play. And I like these jackets,&8221; she said.

Steven Atkins, 13, said he was most looking forward to perusing the CD&8217;s.

Some of the younger kids were more in awe of the police officers.

&8220;I like spending time with police and riding in their car,&8221; said John Hardges, 9. &8220;I want to be a policeman when I grow up.&8221;

And Antryoena Washington, 6, only had one request.

&8220;When we went to pick her up, she asked if we could leave our handcuffs,&8221; Officer Jackson joked.

The police had a $5,700 budget, and spent $1,000 of that Friday night, when they bought groceries for the kids&8217; families.

&8220;We dropped off the groceries this morning when we picked up the kids. We made boxes for each family, with things like apples, oranges, sweet potatoes, Christmas candy and cookies,&8221; said Frisby.

After shopping, the kids were provided lunch by Natchez Regional Medical Center.