The toy aisles of Walmart Supercenter in eastern Jefferson City were filled with blue and gray uniforms, shopping carts and excited children Saturday morning.
In the parking lot, dozens of vehicles sat in a semi-circle around where Santa Claus had arrived in the Jefferson City Police Department's Bearcat SWAT vehicle at the annual Operation: T.O.Y.S. (Take Our Youth Shopping).
Walmart employees filled every check-out station in the lawn and garden room, where children, accompanied by officers from several law enforcement agencies, stood in line with thoughtfully selected items either for the child or his or her family members. And store volunteers with their families helped wrap the children's gifts and hand out other donated items for them to take home.
"Some of them picked gifts for their sisters, brothers or moms," said Walmart employee volunteer Tina Loafman. "I definitely like seeing them share with others."
Shopping with his $120 gift card, the result of many local donations, was easy for Gregory Kirby, 8, who walked out with the "Cadillac of bicycles" according to his shopping partner Joseph Jisa, an officer at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.
"It's probably the coolest bike ever," Jisa said. "They didn't make them like this when I was his age."
Kirby said he had his eye on the bicycle for a while and Saturday morning presented the opportunity for him to fulfill that wish.
The decision-making was more difficult for Tanye Leavell, 9, who filled her cart with pink boxes of Barbies and toys. Then, with the help of her shopping partners Trooper Diana Hutzler and Corpral Matt Halford, both with the Missouri Highway Patrol, Leavell had to select the items within her budget.
"I have everything I need for a good Christmas," Leavell said as she looked at the Barbie Fashionista and extra clothes, the Sweet Tarts stereo headphones and the pink Password Journal.
The patrolmen said they enjoyed looking through the toy aisles as much as Leavell did.
"We like toys too," Hutzler said.
Stephen Heckelman, another officer from the prison, was impressed with his shopping partner Noah Barker, 9, who already had scouted his items of interest online and came prepared with a list Saturday morning.
"I was pretty excited," said Barker, who selected items including a remote-controlled helicopter.
More than 72 children were provided with the unique shopping experience Saturday. School counselors suggested the names of children ages 5-12 for Operation: T.O.Y.S.
"I did this as an officer in 2003," said Sgt. Jason Payne. "I think it's more fulfilling to be in charge this year, to see the kids' eyes light up."
Operation: T.O.Y.S. has continued for more than 20 years through the generosity of local support, including Jefferson City Police Officers Association Lodge #19, Missouri State Trooper Association, Jefferson City Jaycees, Auxiliary of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Elks Lodge #513, Central Bank and staff donations.
In addition to the police, corrections and patrol, officers volunteered from the Cole County Sheriff's Department, Missouri Capitol Police and Lincoln University Police Department.
For Heckelman, the event was a chance to give back, he said. Jisa agreed, saying he enjoys the chance to participate in acommunity outreach program.
"It's fun to get out with the kids," Halford added.
Debra Wrathey, the mother of three children who benefited from Operation: T.O.Y.S. this year, loved the entire experience. She kept the event secret for Shelia, 12, Helen, 10 and Tim, 8, until she drove them to the police station Saturday morning.
"They were surprised," Wrathey said. "This is nice and sweet and I love it.
"They will be playing all day with these things. I will tell my friends how nice the police were to take the kids shopping."