INDIANAPOLIS -- Thanks to some help from Indianapolis Metro police, Friday was a much happier day for a family who lost most of their belongings earlier this week in a house fire.

The Eli family's home on Indianapolis' south side burned early Monday morning. Everyone got out safely, but three children were left without basic necessities.

Images: Fire Scene

"All I remember is I was asleep, and I heard him (father) plain as day running down the hallway screaming the house was on fire," said Susan Shortridge.

Police came to the aid of the children -- Olivia, 11, Donald, 14, and Susan, 17 -- Friday to help them begin to replenish what was lost, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

Officers from the Southeast District decided that the family could use help through its Clothe a Child program.

The children were taken on a shopping spree at the Meijer store at Southport Road and Emerson Avenue, and the store helped by chipping in a portion of the donation. They also went shoe shopping at a Shoe Carnival store before heading to lunch.

"We do things like this … throughout the whole year," said Indianapolis police Detective Jerry Sedam. "There's not enough government resources to help these kids."

Police get donations for the outreach program from retailers. Each child received about $250 to replace the basics.

"It's really nice, and we appreciate it a lot," Shortridge said. "I'm mostly happy for my brother and stepsister."

Donations can be made to:

IMPD Clothe a Child
Attn: Detective Jerry Sedam
50 N. Alabama St.
Indianapolis, IN 46206