Excited children from all over Schoharie County went to the Cobleskill Walmart on Tuesday for some shopping.

They were paired with officers and deputies, and they went through their Christmas lists.

“It’s just great fun,” said Schoharie County Deputy Emily McLaughlin. “We have just as much fun as the kids do. We love it. Just seeing them happy and getting to have lunch with them and spend the day, it’s a great time.”

It’s fun to see Christmas through the eyes of a child.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office raised money through donations and a chicken barbecue. Walmart chipped in with $2,000 for the children.

Cobleskill Police Chief James McCrum said his favorite part was interacting with the children.

“The little ones are so cute and the older ones, they’re the ones who can really, when you interact with them, they know you’re a real person and not just a police officer in a uniform,” he said.

“We love being part of this community and this is such a great event that law enforcement puts together, takes a whole year to get the donations and have everything ready for all the kids, and it’s just an amazing event to be a part of,” Walmart Store Manager Andres Rios said.

After shopping, the jolly group filled the back room at Little Italy for a big pizza party.

The day was making spirits bright.

“I think they do have a great time doing it, I think it’s important, but I think it’s more for us,” said Schoharie County Sheriff’s Investigator Dan Smith, with a laugh. “We really just love doing it with them. We don’t get to spend a lot of time with the kids, and this helps us spend time with the kids. I think we probably have more fun than they do!”