VIDALIA — Pre-kindergarten students at Vidalia Lower Elementary School got an extra dose of Christmas cheer from the Vidalia Police Department Monday afternoon.

VPD Chief Arthur Lewis and three VPD officers went to the school to read Christmas stories and talk with the children about the holiday.

“It is something that needed to be done,” Lewis said. “We need to go out and relate to the kids. They are our future.”

Lewis and the officers passed around their badges, read a quick Christmas story and then signed the books for the students to keep in their classrooms.

Lewis read to Amy Mason’s class first and was greeted by a barrage of voices as he entered the door.

One of those voices, student Emma Windham, corrected Lewis on the pronunciation of her name as Lewis was talking to the students about what they want for Christmas.

“You need to make sure everyone gets your name right,” Lewis said. “Santa needs to know so he can get you the right presents.”

The second stop for the officers was Karen Weeks’ class, where the officers were greeted with two classic Christmas medleys, “Jingle Bells,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

VPD officer Delayne Bush read “Sam the Snowman” to the class, and also gave the students some advice on general safety.

“Always remember to look both ways when you cross the street,” he said. “It is always good to be careful.”

Weeks said it was great to have officers who care enough to come out and interact with area students.

“They were so nice and kind,” she said. “I am appreciative they took the time to come out and have the kids learn to not be afraid of the police.”

Lewis said letting area children know the police are there to help is important.

“It seems in this day and time, many children are afraid of the police officers,” he said. “We want them to know that we are out there just trying to help people.”

Lewis said reading to the children Monday really helped him get in the Christmas spirit.

“The pleasure and the enjoyment of seeing those little smiling faces really made my day,” he said. “They are our future, and if people would just sit down and talk with their children, they will be amazed at what they learn.”

Lewis said the VPD is not limiting its time with area children to Christmas only.

“This is not just going to be a one-time thing for the holidays,” he said. “We will put on any display (the school) wants throughout the year.”