For the 20th consecutive year, firefighters from Athens Fire & Rescue have spread Christmas cheer to families in need through their annual “Shop with a Firefighter” event at Walmart.

Funded by donations from individual community members and local businesses such as Walmart, Steelcase, American Leakless Co. and Huntsville Havoc, 65 children were given $140 each to go on a shopping spree at Walmart.

Firefighters and volunteers from corporate donors walked up and down the aisles of the Athens store, helping the children find $70 in toys and $70 in necessities such as clothing and hygiene items Tuesday evening.

“There is nothing better than seeing the look on a child’s face when they get to go home with all the stuff they have picked out,” said Capt. Chris Gillman, who has been helping kids shop since he joined the department 12 years ago.

Over those 12 years, Gillman said many of the children they have helped left their mark, but none more than the 16-year-old big brother who gave up half of his money so his two younger brothers would have enough money for the toys they picked out.

This year, donations were up significantly, leaving the firefighters able to help more children than ever before.

Gillman said he thinks support for the program has increased because more and more contributors are actually shopping with the kids.

“I think this gets more people involved because they see where their money is going and the difference it is making in these kid’s lives,” Gillman said.

For many of the children who shopped with the firefighters Tuesday, the items they select may be the only gifts they receive this Christmas.

“I’d like to think that’s not the case, but for some families, this is it,” he said. “It is great to know that we had a hand in making sure they will not go without this season.”

Not only do the kids love picking out their own toys, Gillman said they love hanging with the firefighters and other volunteers.

“The younger ones especially get into it because they still have that ‘I want to be a firefighter when I grow up’ mentality,” Gillman said. “But sometimes the older ones surprise you, they have all sorts of questions about what it takes to be a firefighter, you can tell they are thinking about their future.”

Children are recommended for the “Shop with a Firefighter” program by their school counselors.