Joselyn, age 9, gives a double thumbs up sign for "Kids with Cops" in Lehi.

Her first experience with the program, she was having breakfast at the time with Officer Bart Kirkham at Smith's Marketplace.

Nearly 30 kids joined Joselyn, 30 Lehi police officers, officers' spouses and Lehi Youth Court volunteers early Saturday morning to do some serious Christmas shopping after munching on large muffins.

"It's an opportunity for us to interact with children in a real positive way," Lt. Darren Paul said.

The second annual "Kids with Cops," the program Lehi police have adopted, helps provide a Christmas for needy children. Although they have been shopping with kids for Christmas much longer than just a few years.

"We've been doing this ever since I have been in the department," said Lehi Police Chief Chad Smith. "It's better for my officers than it is for the kids. It keeps them humble."

He added, "People don't call us up to have root beer floats. They call us when there is a massive tragedy."

Katlyn, 5 years old, wiggled with excitement.

She was with the chief's wife, Carrie Smith, and together they had picked out a couple of dolls, a Cinderella doll and a Cinderella carriage. Katlyn had started calling Carrie "Gramma Smith."

Harley, age 6, quietly said he was having a good time. He had picked out two Googly balls, a bright yellow and bright orange one for his sister. Also a large motorized police car was in his shopping cart.

"We like it," said Officer Adrian Garlick, who was Harley's companion. "It's fun, and it makes the kids happy."

Officers were able to spend $100 per child from funds raised at Cabela's through patron donations earlier in the year.

Being a new store, Smith's Marketplace hosted the officer program for the first time.

"The coolest part was all the employees waiting for them out front. The employees were very, very excited about [it]," said Carson Spanglar, Smith's Marketplace store director. "It was pretty cool."

He said Smith's was able to give police a discount on gift cards they purchased for the shopping trip and they also put some items on a special discount.

"So they could get the biggest bang for their buck," he said.

Employees lined up outside to greet the young customers and watched the police vehicles with lights flashing pull up to the store.

"I thought it was a great treat for the kids," cashier Kari Storrs said. "We enjoyed it. The kids deserve a good Christmas."

"I think it's a wonderful idea," said cashier Sharon Rogers.

Teachers and staff at every Lehi elementary school recommended children for Kids with Cops. The children met the police officers at the station and left for an early morning light tour hosted by Thanksgiving Point especially for them. After breakfast and shopping at Smiths, they got to wrap their gifts at the police station and to meet Santa Claus.

"It's a wonderful program, it gives kids an opportunity who otherwise might not get some gifts," Santa Claus said.

He was enthusiastic about the Lehi police for taking the time to share the holidays with children.

"I love these guys," said Claus.