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'Operation Santa' Sends Gifts To Kids Of Fallen Cops

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Santa Claus was making the wishes of several children come a week earlier this year on Saturday, as the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's 4th annual "Operation Santa" got underway.

A motorcade that included Santa and Mrs. Claus in a Secret Service-loaned limo arrived at Macy's on State Street Saturday morning to pick up wrapped gifts from the store.

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Elves loaded the vans full the gifts, which will be distributed to the families of fallen police officers, which is especially difficult this year with the unprecedented number of officers gunned down.

Phil Cline, the foundation's executive director, said this year has been even more difficult for the group, with an unprecedented number of officers gunned down.

"It's a special day for us and it's all about the kids today," he said. "Our motto is never forget and that's what we're doing today."

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make the rounds to the homes where the children live on Saturday and Sunday -- seven homes on Saturday, and nine homes on Sunday.

Macy's donated $10,000 towards the purchase of the gifts.

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