NATCHEZ — Sometimes, Santa wears blue.

The men and women of local law enforcement agencies do, anyway.

The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police hosted its annual Santa Cop event Saturday during which 35 local underprivileged children had the opportunity to share a meal and a trip to Walmart with law enforcement officers to buy warm clothes, sturdy shoes and something fun for Christmas.

The morning group came to McDonald’s Saturday morning for a free breakfast, courtesy of the restaurant.

The afternoon group enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria at Merit Health Natchez.

Natchez Police Department detective and local FOP President Jerry Ford said the children’s shopping trip was funded by local donations to the FOP.

“These are kids whose parents are less fortunate or are having some type of difficulty providing what kids need this time of year,” Ford said. “It’s all about kids in the community having a happy Christmas.”

The children are nominated by their school counselors to take part in the event.

Each child was partnered with an officer, who guided them through the store to carefully select how to spend their $150 budgets.

Anthony Williams, 14, picked out sturdy shoes and khakis for school, accompanied by Cal Green from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m trying to match the boots to this jacket,” Williams said, posing in the store’s mirror.

James Rand, 6, had a little trouble choosing between the remote control cars available in the toy section.

“This one makes sounds,” Rand said, pulling a large monster truck from the shelf.

Frank Duson of the Vidalia Police Department hesitated.

“Your mama told me not to go there, bro,” he told Rand.

Another shopper became emotional at the scene. Sheri Franz, speech language pathologist who works with kids, described it as heartwarming.

“It took a minute for me to wrap my head around what’s going on,” Franz said. “It touches my heart to see this at Christmas. It’s just awesome.”

Before being dropped off back home, the children also received a box of groceries for the parents, provided at a reduced rate by the Miss-Lou food bank.

Ford said the effects of the event could reach beyond just this Christmas season.

“We’re hoping that by showing the kids this type of love during Christmas, it will make them more prone to approach law enforcement officers when something is wrong,” he said.