NATCHEZ — Santa usually comes to houses dressed in his signature red suit and riding in a sleigh, but some local children will get a visit from Santas dressed in blue who cruise in police cars this year.

Santa Cop is the annual program sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police that partners local law enforcement officials with needy children for a day of holiday shopping fun.

Natchez police officers, Adams County sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical responders will pick up the children at their houses and take them to breakfast before embarking on the shopping spree at Walmart. The children will also be treated to lunch before they are returned home.

Jerry Ford, NPD detective and president of the FOP, said the FOP selects children for the program from suggestions from local schools and the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

The children will get to pick out clothes, toys and groceries during their shopping trip.

Ford said community involvement is very important for the Santa Cop program. He said it is important for people to remember there are people in the community that need help, especially around the holidays.

“There are less fortunate people in our community whose kids are lacking adequate clothing for school or coats to wear in the winter time,” he said.

“There are those who don’t have their Christmas where their kids can pick out a toy that might be on their wish list, and there are children who have families who just don’t have the money to buy food to have a good cooked meal.”

The FOP has been mailing out letters to past donors asking for donations.

Ford said he would like to get $6,000 or $7,000 to take the children shopping. He said his goal is to give 30 children $200 to spend.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Santa Cop program can call NPD at 601-445-5565 or bring donations to the department. Checks should be made payable to the Fraternal Order of Police.

“I’m really counting on the public to assist us,” Ford said. “I hope everyone (will) help in making this a memorable Christmas and one that the children will not forget.”