Friday marks five years since NYPD detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were assassinated, and Thursday was about honoring them.

For the last three years, the Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation has hosted toy giveaways at local schools. This year they chose P.S. 65 in Cypress Hills to throw a party and give out hundreds of toys.

Maritza Ramos says events like these help tremendously. "It helps me get through the rough time tomorrow will bring," said Maritza Ramos.

She says her husband, who was a school safety officer at one point, would have loved this. "He loved to have fun and he loved to see people smiling and putting smiles on people's faces," said Maritza Ramos.

Ramos and Liu were killed as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn.

There was certainly no shortage of smiles at the event. Kids danced along to music and the NYPD Jazz Band.

Santa Claus himself was escorted by police, and his little elves were also in attendance.

Police officers also handed out a gift for every child. The goal is to create a bond and build trust between the kids and the police.

They gave out 700 toys, but they say they plan to give out at least 300 more by the end of the year.