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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Tonight when you see a lot of police, fire and emergency personal vehicles driving to Shopko in Valley City don’t be alarmed it’s the annual Santa, Cops & Kids program for children in Barnes County.

Event coordinator Sgt. David Swenson says the annually program is aimed at giving these children and their families a nice Christmas.

Swenson says all funding acquired is used entirely for children and spent locally to support the economy in Barnes County. He says thanks to the community for their continued support and helping make this program a success.

Far left Sgt. David Swenson with Santa and Santa helper.
Far left event co-coordinator Valley City police Sgt. David Swenson with Santa and Santa helper.

The evening begins with a pizza buffet, shopping and then the gifts are brought back to the police station and wrapped up. Santa will also visit the children and provide more gifts.

Far left Lisbon Police Chief Jeannette Persons with Santa.
Far left Lisbon Police Chief Jeannette Persons with Santa.

The Santa Cops & Kids program is funded by the generous donations from individuals and businesses in the Barnes County area.

Monetary donations can be mailed to; Santa, Cops & Kids Program 216 2nd Avenue Northeast. Valley City, N.D. 58072. Checks should be made payable FOP Lodge #4

Far right Valley City Fire Chief Gary Retterath.
Far right Valley City Fire Chief Gary Retterath.