Police officers in the Bronx give away thousands of toys to local kids

NEW YORK (WABC) -- For the second year in a row, Bronx families in need were invited to the 47th NYPD Precinct to see Santa and receive some holiday cheer!

Inspector Ruel Stephenson explains through community policing, school security, and officers on the street, they make a list and send out invitations that say "bring your children". Thousands showed up and waited on line.

"What I got, it's cool!" a child said.

"They're doing a good job with the kids," a mother said.

NYPD officers dressed as elves escorted children through the precinct and hand delivered an age appropriate gift.

For many families it's their first time in a police station.

"Was it scary going into a police station?" Eyewitness News asked.

"No, it was happy," a little girl said.

"The objective here is to make when they come into the station a positive experience. We are here to serve them," said Insp. Stephenson, Commanding Officer 47th Precinct NYPD.

The precinct more than doubled the number of toys they gave out, 5,000 were given out Friday evening with help from Bank of America.

"This is a tough precinct. Large area and this goes a long way. We want to support those efforts," said Jeff Barker, of Bank of America.

"Happy Holidays! Thank you!" a child said.

That's the holiday spirit the NYPD hopes will last throughout the year!