More than 40 kids from the Pass area were eagerly awaiting Saturday morning, and for Christmas to come early this year.
The children first get to eat breakfast with some of our local "heroes," or police officers, and then head out from Nicolet Middle School in Banning to the Beaumont Walmart to shop, according to Banning Police Chief Leonard Purvis.
Purvis said that the kids will get to make the journey to Walmart in armored cars and firetrucks: they get to choose.
Before that, though, Purvis said Santa will make an appearance at the middle school via his new sleigh-- a helicopter.
The Banning department will sponsor 24 kids, while the Beaumont department has 22, Patch is told by organizers. Each will be allowed to spend $100 at Walmart, while shopping with the police and other family "heroes" they may bring along.
The event was scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until noon. Money for the program is all donated from local organizations and citizens, Purvis said.
