Santa Claus paid a special visit to Townsquare Media Monday morning. It's the official kick-off of Operation Santa Claus.

Operation Santa Claus is a team effort between the Shreveport Fire Department, Shreveport Police Department, Bossier Sheriff's Office, Townsquare Media and the public to provide Christmas gifts to hundreds of disadvantaged children throughout Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

Since 1984, public safety agencies have teamed up to help fill children's wishes throughout the area.

Since they tend to best understand the needs of the communities they serve, law enforcement officers and firefighters nominate children to receive the gifts, while Townsquare Media promotes the operation.

It's the generosity of residents and businesses who contribute unwrapped toys and monies to help provide the gifts to the children.

Radio remote broadcasts, hospital visits and other events will be held over the next couple of weeks to promote Operation Santa Claus.

Once the toys are donated, the firefighters, police officers and deputies will play Santa and deliver the presents in their police cars and fire trucks just in time for Christmas.

For more information go to Operation Santa Claus