Christmas got a little brighter for some elementary students in Collier County Thursday. 51 kids from Avalon Elementary in East Naples went on a shopping spree with deputies from the Collier County Sheriff's Office for Christmas gifts.
Sergeant Tiffany Castle was one of dozens of deputies who paired up with the students to spend $100 worth of gift cards at the Wal-Mart at Davis and Collier Boulevards. She and her shopping partner Catherine got everything from clothing items to toys.
"We got some great pajamas, and a great hoodie, as well as some cool shoes," Castle said.
"The hope is that we can make this a better Christmas for everyone," she added. "For these kids, some of them don't have the opportunities like this, and it's great for us to come and hang with the kids."
The spending spree is thanks to a donation from CenturyLink.
"This is a great way to pay it forward," said Danny Pate of CenturyLink. "Especially in the aftermath of things like the hurricane (Irma,) and you know people are struggling."
"There are always children in our community that are not going to have a very festive Christmas," said Beth Jones of CCSO. "So with business organizations that step up to the plate, we can at least help a little bit."
