Metro Nashville police officers delivered Christmas baskets to families in need for the 55th year in a row on Christmas Eve morning.
"I started doing this when I was 6 or 7 years old," said Sergeant Derek Keeler. "It's kind of like Secret Santa - most people don't even know it's coming."
The Christmas Basket program first started in 1961 and served two families that year. This year, the program provided 179 families with toys for each child in the household. Additionally, each family received baskets filled with enough food to last two weeks.
"Some of them will break down in tears when they see us," Keeler said. "That's really the best part."
Officers nominated families they have come into contact with while on patrol. If an application is approved, officers will collect donations and shop for toys specifically chosen for each child based on their age and interests.
On Christmas Eve morning, hundreds of volunteers met at the old Tennessee State Prison to load up cars for deliveries.
"Being able to go in here - those kids are so excited," said Marquie Young, who has helped deliver baskets for 25 years. "And to know we got to give them an awesome Christmas, to see their faces when we unload those bags, that's what Christmas is about."
