ANGOLA, IN - The gift of Christmas giving came early for 140 plus area children Thursday night as a result of community donors at all levels from funds raised from the WLKI Cops for Kids Pie Auction.

Indiana State Representative Denny Zent wrote the check to take this years total amount raised to hit the $50-thousand dollar mark. Angola City Police Officer Mike Wood said, “from there several others also gave”, putting the final numbers well over what organizers had hoped for this year.

Officer Wood said in addition to the kids who were already registered from elementary schools at Angola, Fremont, Hamilton, and Prairie Heights, they were also able to register any other children who came with the families to the shopping experience.

Area emergency personal shopped both local big box stores in Angola where $250 was spent on each child. As a result, each youngster was clothed in warm winter clothing from head to toe. Each child also got to pick out a special toy for Christmas.

Every family will also receive a $75 food only gift card.

Officer Wood this year’s funds were also used to purchase toys as gifts for children at the area homeless shelter. In addition, coats were purchase for the local coat bank.

The annual fundraising event that leads up to helping all of these area children is a team effort from the entire community. Officer Wood wants to thank everyone who donated money or time to make this event a huge success. The true spirit of Christmas is certainly alive in our small corner of the world.