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Lt. Terence Williams and his wife Sandra helped Charles "CJ" Boyler, age 6, pick out the Pokémon cards he is holding for Christmas as well as a lot of other toys and clothes. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Lt. Beverly Metcalf shops with Eli Griffin, age 8, on Wednesday morning in Vidalia Walmart. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Sgt. Ronnie Coleman and Grayson Morace, age 6, hunt for toys Wednesday in Vidalia Walmart. Morace finds toy snakes just like a pet corn snake he once had. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Isabell Till, age 9, picks out a Tamagotchi toy with volunteer Tia Williams. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Tucker Johnson, age 6, shops for clothes and toys Wednesday morning. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

VIDALIA — Charles “CJ” Boyler wore a large grin on his face as he walked the aisles of Vidalia Walmart on Wednesday morning with Lt. Terence Williams and Williams’ wife Sandra.

He got to pick out his own warm clothes for Christmas, but also his favorite toys, Star Wars, Ghost Busters, Pokémon and more.

“I want a headset for Christmas so I can play games and listen to videos on YouTube with it,” Boyler said.

Boyler was among approximately 30 children who would benefit from the Vidalia Police Departments Shop with a Cop program. Each child had an average of $350 each to spend thanks to donations from several businesses and individuals in the community, Chief Joey Merrill said.

Police officers and volunteers helped children pick out gifts in two shifts. The first group was taken to breakfast at McDonald’s and the second group was taken to lunch at Johnny’s Pizza.

Each child was fixed up with warm winter clothing and necessities and could spend the rest on whatever toy they wished for.

Tucker Johnson, age 6, said he wished for a Spiderman bicycle for Christmas and Eli Griffen, age 8, said he wanted a money card so he could buy games to play on his tablet.

Isabell Till, age 9, said she wasn’t sure what all she wanted at first but picked out a cool Tamagotchi toy and a fidget toy.

“I’m getting a laminator for Christmas so I can start my own business making bookmarks,” she said.

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