On Saturday, the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Selma gave out toys to children in the community for Christmas.

Scores of people flocked to the event to have a photo with Santa Claus, play a round of basketball and pick up a toy of their choosing to take home for Christmas.

“We have a lot of kids in the community that don’t get toys,” said Detective Dorothy Cowan. “We want to make sure everyone has a happy Christmas.”

Cowan said the group had over 100 people stop by throughout the day and, with a few boxes of toys left over, the group would make sure to get them all distributed before Christmas.

According to Cowan, the annual event has been going on since PAL has been located on College Drive. The group moved into the building 18 years ago.

This year’s event saw a wide array of sponsors, including Scott Communication, Park Place Nursing Home, Walmart and a variety of local supporters.

“People are very willing to help if they see there’s a need,” Cowan said. “We have more good people than bad here, I believe.”

Along with their gift-giving initiative, the group also offers mentoring programs and houses a basketball league.

Their after-school program, which brings in about 25 kids each day, receives meals from Gospel Tabernacle Church of Christ in God every afternoon.