Police and fire departments in southeast Minnesota joined forces to spread some holiday cheer this week.

The organization is called Bluff Country Hidden Heroes.

The police and fire volunteers come together to help Santa Claus deliver presents to 86 local kids in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties.

The group is led by Investigator Chris Frick of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. 

He stopped by the La Crosse Talk studio to talk about the uniformed philanthropists and what that day means to him and the others. 

"It is, by far, my favorite day of the year," said Frick. "You cannot leave that night without a smile on your face. The kids are smiling, the first responders...20-year vets that are out there, they're kind of gruff but they can't leave that night without a smile. Mom and dad, a lot of times, get kind of teary-eyed but it reminds us all why we got into that field of public service."

Frick said they reach out to schools who select two or three children who then receive presents from the group. 

They work with Walmart in Onalaska and Pepsi in La Crosse and other donations to help get together all the presents needed for delivery. 

On the "Holidays with the Heroes" day, emergency vehicles help escort Santa around to help deliver gifts to the families.