Some lucky kids from Berks County celebrated Christmas early, all for a good cause.

"We expect to do a lot of hugging tonight with great kids, and see some smiling faces," said Jim Boscov, vice chairman of Boscov's.

The event was called Shop With A Cop, and was held Wednesday evening at Boscov's North in Muhlenberg Township.

Twenty kids, some from needy families, had the opportunity to take a picture with Santa Claus and a police officer.

After Santa gave each child a $100 gift certificate, they were paired with a Berks County police officer who accompanied them on a shopping spree at Boscov's department store.

Shop With A Cop is in its second year, and is sponsored jointly by Boscov's and Crime Alert: Berks County, organizers said.

Officials explained why it was important for the kids to spend time bonding with police officers.

"So they learn a little bit about what a policeman is and so forth," said Barry Rohrbach, founder of Crime Alert: Berks County.

Rohrbach adds that sometimes the officer really gets into the season of giving.

"Sometimes if they [the kids] go a little bit over a $100, the cop reaches in his pocket and pays the rest. It's a great thing to do, and we're proud we can be doing this," said Rohrbach.

Organizers say they hope to host the event again next year, and help even more children.