FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Heroes and Helpers is an annual event put on by the Fresno Police Department, American Ambulance, and Target. This year organizations collectively raised $10,000 to purchase toys for nearly 250 Fresno children. "It's priceless," said Sgt. Diana Vega, public information officer for the Fresno Police Department. A visit from Old Saint Nick caused these Fresno Unified preschoolers to burst with excitement as they ripped open their Christmas gifts. "We get to pick the toys for the children and then we get to meet them and give them the toys and just see their eyes light up," explained Vega. You see, off-duty Fresno Police Officers and American Ambulance EMTs/Paramedics went on a shopping spree Wednesday morning to secure the goodies. "We started at 4:30 in the morning," shared Ben Wiele, American Ambulance Public Information Officer.  With the help of a wish list, Santa's helpers knew exactly what to pick out for each child.  While it's definitely something the kiddos are grateful for each year, these heroes feel the same as they eagerly compete with each other for a chance to be part of this magical moment.  This year, three ambulances, taking the place of Santa's sleigh, paid visits to eight Fresno Unified campuses. "Our officers are used to responding to calls for service and seeing people at their worst, so seeing a child open up that gift, just seeing them smile and just be so excited is something that we want our officers to see, and it just reinvigorates the reason why we serve our community," Vega exclaimed.  But most importantly, it's an opportunity for the little ones to form a joyful connection with law enforcement. "So maybe when they do need us there, they don't feel afraid to call the police or ask the police for help in the future sometime if they should ever need it," said Fresno Interim Police Chief Mindy Casto.  Organizers tell me this event has taken off and grown each year. They hope to continue this tradition for years to come.