BLADENBORO — Christmas came early for a few children this week when they were treated to a day full of giving through the annual Christmas for Kids event.

Sponsored by the Bladenboro Police Department, the fund drive raised $6,816.25, to brighten the holiday season for 20 Bladenboro Primary School students. The children, who were chosen by the faculty and guidance counselor of the school as those who would likely benefit the most from the program, were taken on a shopping trip to Walmart in Elizabethtown on Tuesday morning.

"Christmas for Kids was a huge success again this year with the help of our many contributors, both public and private," Lt. Chris Hunt of the Bladenboro Police Department said.

The group of children and chaperones who volunteered their time to assist for the day traveled to Elizabethtown through the use of a bus and van donated by New Light Freewill PFWB Church. They arrived at Walmart around 10 a.m., where they were greeted by several store associates and their special guest, Santa Claus. They munched on goodies and paused to sit on Santa's lap before hitting the aisles.

Smiles and laughter spread through the group of children and chaperones as the shopping excursion began. Each of the children, with the help of volunteers from the school and members of both the Bladenboro P.D. and Bladenboro EMS, was allowed to choose items of clothing and other necessities. Some visited the toy department at the end of the trip to pick out a new prize to play with.

Following their trip to Elizabethtown to get their new Christmas goodies, the group returned to Pizza Palace in Bladenboro where they were treated to lunch on-the-house from the restaurant. They were also each awarded a shiny new bicycle on behalf of the Southeastern Cruisers Car Club, Hunt said.

"We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the program and to the volunteers for their assistance in making the shopping trip a success," he said. "Without them, it would not have been possible to provide these children with a such a special treat this Christmas.

"The Bladenboro Police Department looks forward to continuing this holiday tradition of giving through the generous donations we receive year after year," Hunt added. "And on behalf of Chief Ronnie Rising and the Bladenboro Police Department, we would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year."