Jessie and Isela Perez weren't sure they would have a Christmas this year.

Eight months ago, their father was deported to Mexico, essentially leaving their mother, Kimberly Perez, as a single mother of three, including a 5-month-old. On top of that, Kimberly Perez just had surgery and has been out of work since.

Things can change quickly, though.

Christmas came early for the Perezes and 10 other Gainesville children.

The Gainesville Police Department hosted its annual ‘Shop with a Gainesville Cop' Friday at the Walmart on Shallowford Road.

"This has all been a blessing to us since I haven't been able to work," Kimberly Perez said. "They wouldn't be having Christmas."

"Nowadays everything is getting harder and harder the way the economy is, and if it weren't for these people doing this, a lot of people would be without a lot of stuff," she added.

Public Information Officer Joe Britte reiterated that sentiment.

"This has, of course, been a tough year for everybody financially," he said. "So any little way we can help as a police department is a great thing."

A few weeks ago, Melissa Kile was beginning to think her son, Matthew, wouldn't have a Christmas.

But Friday, 5-year-old Matthew Kile was given a Nintendo 3DS.

"I wasn't going to have a Christmas if it wasn't for the school and the counselor," the New Holland Core Knowledge Academy student said.

"We're truly blessed. I feel like sometimes crying because I know that he can have better if we had it," said Melissa Kile, who, along with her husband, is disabled and relies on government assistance.

When he gets older, Matthew Kile said he hopes to be a police officer.

"That tie between officer and children out there is, I think, an experience all children need to have," Britte said. "Instead of the negative, we have a lot of positive things we do."

Mark Guardiola and his brother, Pedro, were "super happy" after opening their gifts, including a soccer ball and cleats to play the sport they love.

"We don't have that much money because my dad doesn't work anymore," Mark Guardiola said.

School counselors help the police department select families in need. Through donations from Walmart and the Rotary Club of Gainesville, children received bags of gifts.

"These kids wouldn't have a Christmas without it, so those of us that have are fortunate to give back to those that don't," said Rick Boyd, assistant district governor for the Rotary Club.

The families also were given a Christmas dinner, provided by Pilgrims Pride. The room was filled with laughter as children opened their gifts.

Families provided the wish lists, and officers bought the gifts Thursday using donated money.

"They get a good amount of things that the kids want," Britte said. "We've got a wide variety from bicycles to goalie mitts to shoes. You name it we'll try to get."

Jordan Roberts couldn't hide his excitement to take his first ride on a new bike officers presented him. His father, Jordan Roberts, was just as excited to see his son's wishes fulfilled.

"He's always wanted a bike, and I told him I didn't know if I could get it for Christmas or after Christmas," Jordan Roberts said.

"They're a lot of help," he added. "We've been struggling trying to get kids their presents. It's been rough."