Police officers and others across Westchester are giving back to the community this holiday season.

Mount Vernon police officers teamed up with Target stores for the "Heroes and Helpers" event on Friday. Officers helped children buy holiday gifts for their families using $50 gift cards. The program aims to build strong relationships between public safety officials and needy families.

Elsewhere, Santa and his elves took a break from toy making at the North Pole to visit patients Friday at Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Yonkers. The trip was made possible by the company Empress Ambulance, which donated time and toys to all 137 patients.

In Valhalla, Blythedale Children's Hospital held its 23rd annual Christmas concert on Friday. Last year the event raised more than $90,000.

Mamaroneck physician Kevin Maloney held a massive toy giveaway recently outside his office, providing toys to hundreds of children. Maloney has been hosting the giveaway for 25 years.