Kids battling cancer spend day with Salinas Police and Santa Claus

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The Salinas Police Department hit the road just after sunrise, Saturday.

A parade of officers drove north to join the San Jose Police Department for their 2019 Fantasy Flight. 

The event is put on every year by the Cops Care Cancer Foundation. Children who are battling cancer are invited to take part in a day of fun, holiday activities. For the main event, the kids are given a ride in a helicopter with Santa Claus.

"Everyone is here. My family is here. I get to spend time with my family. It's a good thing that they're doing this for us because my little brothers and sisters get to come and join me. Everyone has fun. I'm thankful for that,” said one participant, Victoria Cortez.

Officers came in on their day off to spend time with the kids and their families. 

"For us, it's really fun. For them, it's an experience of a lifetime. To see their faces, and to see what they get to experience, is really great,” said Salinas Police Officer, Justin Heckman. 

To learn more about the Cops Care Cancer Foundation, visit: www.copscarecancerfoundation.com.