BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Thursday was all about smiles as kid’s ages 0 to 16 got an early Christmas gift at the Chips for Kids toy drive distribution.

Over 3,500 toys were distributed to children in Kern County but they didn’t just get any toy. Kids handpicked exactly what they wanted. Officer Rodriguez saying being able to do that makes the experience more personable and exciting.

“Hugging their toys saying look what I got mom, it’s so cute look, I really wanted this,” said Maria Miranda.

That was the reaction of Maria Miranda’s kids at the Ninth annual Chips for Kids toys distribution day hosted by the California highway patrol. Where thousands of kids got an early Christmas present.

Making parents like Miranda feel a little less stressed this holiday season.

“This is very thoughtful of everybody in the community to give to our children and their attitudes are very beautiful as well, caring for our little ones,” said Maria Miranda.

“And now we as officers get to step in and actually lend a helping hand and help out these children that may not have a Christmas this year. So they get to pick out their toy and hopefully bring a smile to their face,” said CHP Officer Robert Rodriguez.