She enjoyed the free chicken fingers and Beanie Babies. And she was thrilled with all the presents. But really, all 11-year-old Tiosha Hood needed for Christmas was a chance to speak with Santa, one-on-one.

“She’s the big Santa fan,” said her mother, Gayle Hood. “It’s all she talks about.”

Tiosha was rallying her siblings to be good and make sure to go to bed early on Christmas Eve because “usually when you go to sleep it’s faster” to finding out what Santa tucked under the tree. As she sat waiting for her time with Saint Nick on Friday during the Springfield police’s 19th annual Operation: Santa, she said her favorite part about the holiday is the jolly man himself.

“I’ve always liked Santa. I like his personality for helping people,” she said.

“I know a lot of people say he isn’t real, but I believe in his spirit,” Tiosha added.

This year, the police department assisted 31 families and about 70 children in the Springfield community identified through churches, assistance programs and by officers. They split the event into two sessions at the police department’s substation on Johnny Lytle Road: one for breakfast and one for lunch. That way the kids could come with their families and really enjoy the hot meal, toys and, of course, time with Santa, said Sgt. Joe Tedeschi.

“They have a lot of fun,” he said. “And we don’t spend anything. It’s all provided through donations.”

The Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association, police officers along with local businesses and residents provide the funds to put on the event. In addition to toys, wrapped and ready after they leave Santa’s lap, each of the kids also receives clothes.

“We want to make sure we are getting things that they need. So they need winter boots or coats,” Tedeschi said. “And of course, every kid wants toys.”

For the families who receive the assistance, it makes Christmas a little brighter — and affordable.

“We wouldn’t have been able to put on the big Christmas they’re used to,” Gayle Hood said. She works at Kroger while her husband is unemployed, using the time now to home-school their four children.

Operation: Santa exceeded their expectations, she said.

“We knew that they were going to help with Christmas, but we didn’t realize that it was like this,” Gayle Hood said, gesturing to the meals and toys the kids were enjoying. “It’s a blessing.”