The Corona Police Department hosted its annual Kids and Cops holiday event at Corona City Hall, bringing wrapped presents, games, arts-and-crafts booths and volunteer-run activities for children and families, hosts said.

Organizers and officers said the event is designed to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the community and to provide holiday relief to families who need it. "What we're trying to do is we're trying to engage with our community, giving them a better Christmas to our families that are in need," said Officer Herrera of the Corona Police Department. "We wanna make sure that they are going to continue to see us as people that can help them."

Participants described a variety of activities aimed at children: ornament-decorating booths run by the Mayor's Youth Council, a photo booth for pictures with Santa, volunteer-led craft stations, a police motorcycle display and a prize wheel operated by the Corona Police Community Partnership. Starbucks provided free hot chocolate for kids and families at one booth.

"We, you know, raise a ton of money and give a ton of ... presents to the people that need it most," said Max, who is with the Corona Police Department, describing the department's fundraising and distribution efforts. Several speakers emphasized the emotional impact: volunteers and officers said the children's smiles and the chance for families to take free Santa photos were central to the event's success.

The event also highlighted other city programs. Officer Hack said the city uses a "Hope Team," a homeless outreach and psychological-evaluation team, that "pretty much use[s] a balance of support services and enforcement to help better the quality of life of the community and also better the quality of life of the homeless." Hack said the event drew a large turnout and that families were enjoying the activities.

Organizers said planning for Kids and Cops is a year-round effort. An organizer described the committee as beginning work in January and making a 12-month commitment to coordinate vendors, volunteers and partners so the event can run smoothly. "When we see them get their gift and smile ear to ear, that's all that matters to us," an organizer said of the motivation behind the effort.

The Mayor's Youth Council participated with an ornament-decorating booth. "I've been part of this for this past year, and it's just been so beautiful to see," said Anaya Sapp, a Mayor's Youth Council member, who added that council members learn about city departments and community service through such events.

Reporters noted additional offerings meant to broaden the experience for children, including a small-business coffee booth for families and an ice patch where some children could experience sledding and snow for the first time.

From the City of Corona, hosts closed by thanking viewers and wishing the community happy holidays.