NATCHEZ — For one day every year Natchez Police officers are Santa Claus for a selected group of children.

The program is called Santa Cop and the children get to go Christmas shopping with Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong and Natchez other police officers.

The program is funded through donations of checks sent to the Natchez Police Department, Armstrong said.

Checks made out to the Natchez Police Department  with “Santa Cop” in the memo line can be sent to the Natchez Police Department at 233 Devereux Dr., Natchez, MS 39120.

The Natchez Police Department Santa Cop event will happen on Dec. 14 the year at the Natchez Walmart.

Twenty kids were selected by the Natchez-Adams School District to attend this event only happening on one day. At Walmart this year, kids can spend up to $200 and receive a bag of groceries — one grocery bag per family — for their family. Armstrong said the Santa Cop event means a lot.

“Not only do we [police department] benefit but so do the children,” Armstrong said. “Without this event, some of the children will not have a Christmas.”

Last year, Armstrong said he remembers seeing a little girl crying uncontrollably during the event. Armstrong said the girl was very appreciative of the event.

During last year’s Santa Cop event, the children were allowed to spend $150. Armstrong said.