Forget the sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer.
When Santa came to Atlantic City on Thursday, he was on the back of a police BearCat.
It was fitting, since this Christmas celebration was courtesy of the Atlantic City Police Department.
Each unit had lists for 13 children infant to 12 years old who are living in Atlantic City's Rescue Mission this holiday, and made sure to give them a Merry Christmas.
It seemed to work.
Inside the Moose Lodge in Chelsea Heights, the children and their families gathered with police and mission workers to celebrate with food and lots of gifts.
"Just throw that paper on the ground," Santa said as he urged 6-year-old Genesis to open one of her many presents.
The little girl seemed unsure at first, but as the paper came off a Kindle Fire was revealed. Her eyes lit up.
"I feel very happy since I couldn't give her anything this year," said her mom, Tonia. "It's been tough for us."
Detective Heidi Clayton and Community Police Officer Jose Gonzalez organized the event, which usually is held at the mission. But this year, they decided to bring the families out.
"It's like on steroids this year," Gonzalez said as Clayton enlisted several "elves" to help get the gifts to the proper child as they were called to Santa one by one.
"I'm speechless," said Police Chief Henry White. "This is so awesome to see all these gifts and toys and all of this comes out of our officers' pockets, trying to brighten up these kids' lives for the Christmas season. This is what Christmas is all about.
