Year.

<<lauren langer>>a story from our twin cities newsroom.the holidays can be a difficult time for struggling families.

The bloomington police department is making sure every child has gifts under the tree this year... while also making lasting connections.wyzz's lindsey harrison has the story.

<<('what is your favorite fun thing to do?'

Dashaya, three- years-old: "play."

'play with what?'

Dashaya, three- years-old: "toys."sara mayer, bloomington police dept: when you first meet the kid, they might be a little shy and timid.

Then, by the end, youre getting hugs and they want to be a police officer and you truly feel like you made a connection."dozens of police officers... fire fighters... and kids fanned out across the bloomington walmart wednesday... with one goal in mindfind the perfect toys.

Mariah, six-years-old: "i'm shopping with a cop and i like to buy lots of games and toys.

I don't really have that much toys i play with.... my favorite part is when i got my doll."the shop with with a cop event helps struggling familes.

Kids are paired with a hero... and get to pick out $50 worth of gifts.laporche mccray.

Mom: "it's a great experience.

A lot of parents are actually struggling and there's a lot of single moms that need help."asst.

Chief kenneth bays, bloomington police dept: "i look back fondly.

Some people stepped up and helped me.

I didn't come from a lot of money."asst.

Chief kenneth bays, bloomington police dept"here i am 35 years later and i still remember it."amid all the fun and holiday cheer... kids are aslo getting the chance to get to know the people behind the badges."a lot of kids, especially young boys don't have father figures and need guidance.

So that's what this community needs."some communities around the country are dealing with strained relations between the people and the police.

In bloomington... that's exactly what both parents and police officers are working to avoid.

Amber watson, mom: "there's just a lot going on with police officers in the world and i don't want them to feel like they're all bad.

I want them to know there are good people in the world."sara mayer, bloomington police dept: "hopefully it teaches them that if they ever need help they can go to a police officer and we are their friends.""would you like to come back next year?"

"definitely" "most definitely" in bloomington, lindsey harrison, wyzz news.)>> <<lauren langer>>this is the 14-th year the bloomington police has put on shop with a cop.