Hattiesburg police hosts Christmas party for victims' families

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Hattiesburg Police Department Victims Advocacy Unit hosted its 3rd annual Christmas party for children affected by crime.

Those in attendance at the party was Southern Miss athletes, Santa, and those who worked to raise the bikes and toys for the 14 kids.

The last couple of weeks Ryan Motors and Walmart assisted with raising the gifts and the department said they were a big factor in making the kids happy this season.

Hattiesburg Police Department (HPD) Lt. Jon Traxler said the department wanted to recognize the kids and the trauma they endured.

“You know its just a way of us to give back to them, to remind them that, they’re loved, we care about them, the community cares about them" said Lt. Traxler.

He added, "We just want to be there for them, you know a lot of there parents are not here, they may be victims of homicide, so we want to just give back.”