Volunteers, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens were on hand wrapping presents, preparing food packages, and greeting hundreds of families with children in tow for the Lemoore Police Department’s annual rite of passes know as the Reason for the Season.

The program is tied to schools where teachers and administrators help the local police identify families and students who could use a bit of Christmas cheer. The families are then invited to the event where they can pick up wrapped presents, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and leave with a bunch of groceries, including whole chickens.

“It just keeps growing every year,” said a pleased Maggie Ochoa, a commander with the Lemoore Police Department. “We wrapped 300 gifts in just a matter of hours.”