For some of these children, this is their first trip to Target and their first Christmas to be able to check off everything on their wish list.

"I got a Hello Kitty shirt, and I got a skirt and I got a sweater."

8-year-old third grader Mia Brakefield knows exactly what she likes and it's not just about fashion.

"I like to read, I like to do math and I like to do science and social studies and I like to do what my teacher tells me to do."

Mia is just one piece in the bigger picture - an opportunity for elementary and middle school kids in the Volunteers of America's Lighthouse after-school program to see what the season is all about - giving back to the community.

"We've been blessed here with our hospital, the Specialist Hospital, and the things that we've been able to do and we just wanted to give something back," says Dr. Steve Atchison.

Atchison says the event's positive impact is something the Volunteers of America and Specialist Hospital plan to continue.

"Last year was the first year we did it and this year we're repeating that. This was just an awesome experience and the kids loved it and it was something we definitely wanted to repeat."

Each child gets a $300 Target gift card and often the first item they pick out is a gift for someone else.

"I think that they learn the value of having money to spend that they may not have had," says Eileen Czerwinski, with VOA.

As for Mia, she's already thinking ahead...

"I want to get my education. I want to get a job and I want to get my own house and get a car."

The doctors involved come from Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, Spine Institute of Louisiana and Pain Care Consultants.

The Volunteers of America's Lighthouse program serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The kids participate in character building, community service and enrichment activies.

Czerwinski says the VOA is always in need of volunteers for their programs.

To learn more about that, click here.