The holiday season kicked off to a great start for some kids in Westbury Thursday thanks to some real-life superheroes.

Police officers dressed as superheroes visited Park Avenue Elementary in an armored vehicle and a motorcycle.

They gave 10 students $100 gift cards for the holiday season as part of an annual event by the Nassau County Police Foundation called Holiday Heroes.

Mario Doyle, the director of the Nassau County Police Foundation, says they had to make a change to the program this year because of the pandemic. Previous years, they have done Shop with a Cop and other outreaches.

"Some of these families could not afford to have a holiday season like others and when it's a $100 gift card - helps brighten their lives," said Doyle.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says the spirit of giving continues through the kids, thinking about others instead of themselves.

"They went in and actually said 'I want to buy something for my mom and dad. I want to buy something for my brother and sister.' The generosity of the children teaches us," said Ryder.

Fifth grader Genesis Ruiz says he knows what he'll spend the gift card on.

"Maybe clothes, food, decorations and maybe stuff for me too," said Ruiz.

Nassau County police will be giving out a total of 50 gift cards to students at five schools in the Westbury Union Free School District.