Seven needy children will have lots of gifts under the Christmas tree this year, thanks to the Fayetteville Police Department and several local businesses who participated in the city's first annual "Shop with a Cop" program.

Several businesses and local organizations including the Civitan Club of Fayette County, the Kiwanis Club of Fayette County and police officers opened up their hearts and wallets to ensure two families had a Christmas.

Twenty-one local businesses and organizations lined up to donate, officials said.

Officers Lindsay Harwell and David Webb began organizing the event in November. "There were so many people willing to help, it was almost overwhelming," Harwell said.

The children were selectively chosen, and each child ages 9 to 18 received $150 to buy Christmas presents.

"The detectives looked into it and found out they were in a bad situation and we just wanted to help them out," FPD spokeswoman Lt. Beverly Trainor said. "These are two families who will be back on their feet and they will give