Crete First Responders hold annual Operation Under the Tree event

The Crete police department was at their local Walmart for the annual Operation Under the Tree event.

They were outside collecting toys, clothes and money donations for families in need.

In recent years, the event has expanded to include all First Responders in Saline county.

Operation Under the Tree will last until Sunday.

So far, hundreds of dollars of toys and cash donations have been collected. 

“It’s really nice that we are able to help and let the kids know that we are all here to help and it’s just a really good feeling,” said Crete Police Officer Dawn Jonas.

On December 8th, some families in need will be able to come and pick out Christmas gifts.

The leftover funds raised for the event will go toward helping kids in the school district in need of warm clothes or shoes.