Santa and Mrs. Claus brought smiles to children's faces in Middlesex County Sunday morning.

The Woodbridge Police Department raised more than $7,000 to help give children a brighter Christmas. Santa and Mrs. Claus handed out presents at the Toys R Us in Woodbridge.

Detective Joelle Slossberg says the police department gives to less fortunate families every year, but this year decided to change it up.

“We got a lot of money from our PBA, which is our union, and we got a lot of money from a lot of different businesses in town so we could do this,” says Slossberg.  “We have 17 kids here that we give $300 each so they can buy whatever they want.”

Following the Santa meet-and-greet, the children headed to a breakfast hosted by the Woodbridge Fire Department.

Detective Mark Zeno says events like these help children grow up not to fear police officers but to view them as people who can help and protect them.