It began with a successful fish plate fundraiser and ended with a successful shopping spree, where 25 children, five more than planned, were treated to early Christmas presents.

“We had 22 scheduled with some additions of siblings,” Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Thomas Hathaway said at Chick-fil-A, where the children were treated to lunch before going shopping. “We wanted to make it as happy for as many as we could. This isn't about the police department, the fire department, police club or KapStone, it's about the community coming out to help the children at Christmas.”

Stan Stepp, owner of the Roanoke Rapids Chick-fil-A franchise, said the restaurant was glad to help out. “The number one thing this is Christmas and we want to be involved in the community. We're kind of spreading joy and taking care of people living in the community.”

Captain Andy Jackson of the police department said today's Christmas for Kids was probably one of the most successful ones in years. “The fish plate sale made it. Herman and Ruth Moseley really made this happen and the support for the tag football game. KapStone came forward so we could play the game.”

Captain O.L. Morgan said, “Without the support of the community, none of this would be possible.”

Jackson said that today's event was one of the most successful in its history speaks well of the community coming forward in a tight economy. “The economy is really hurting and for people to rally shows what the community can do as far as reaching out.”

Queen passes out information sheets.

Tina Queen and Phillip May helped two additional children and Sergeant Mike Moseley helped one additional child.

“It's because Christmas is about miracles,” Queen said as she handed out sheets with the children's names and their needs. “When you see their faces you see they're not expecting it. It's rewarding.”

Rex Stainback, a school resource officer, and his wife, Terri, helped a child shop for clothes. “It's just giving back to the community and helping a child smile is the greatest reward.”

Mrs. Stainback helps a child.

Kanter Morris, a local attorney, also helped a child shop for clothes. “It's important to help the children,” she said as the child looked at jeans. “She knows what she wants and she needs. I'm just giving some advice.”

Roanoke Rapids Juvenile Detective Corey Dixon sees the Christmas for Kids program as a way to help children better understand police. “A lot of kids feel the police are bad. We're showing the kids we care.”

Sparks, right, and Fleetwood.

Roanoke Rapids firefighter Josh Sparks was helping Joshua Fleetwood shop. Sparks is a veteran of the program, although he didn't get a chance to participate last year. “It's a great feeling helping out. It's such a great feeling getting out and helping in the community.”

For Fleetwood, it means a better Christmas. “It helps me out because it will probably be limited; I will probably have something, but not like this.”

Jackson and Morgan escorted their child, Titus, out of the store to meet his parents.

As Titus rode his bike down the aisles Morgan said, “You see that smile on his face? Man, that's priceless. That's Christmas.”