SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Police Department held their second annual “Heroes and Helpers” holiday shopping event on Tuesday at the Target on E. Ireland Road.

With the assistance of the Police Department, 23 families got the opportunity to purchase gifts for the holidays. The event benefits 70 children.

Families chosen to participate in the shopping event were identified by La Casa de Amistad, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hope Ministries, CASA of St. Joseph County, St. Margaret’s House and Center for the Homeless.

The officers say that this is about giving back to the community.

"It’s awesome to see these kids, how happy they are and they get to have something that they want,” Keenan Lane said, an officer with South Bend Police. “To see them some buy presents for others in their family, some get a little toy for themselves. It’s all about giving and seeing the smiles on all these kids’ faces."

The event was made possible thanks to a grant from Target.