(BLAINE) – Blaine Police once again hosted what has become one of the largest holiday charity shopping events of its kind in all of Minnesota.
The department took over Target on 109th Avenue Tuesday for its 10th Heroes and Helpers event.
Children from area school districts–identified and selected by school staff and faculty–are paired with Blaine, Lino Lakes and Centennial Lakes police officers, Lino Lakes and SBM firefighters and EMTs, Minnesota State Police officers, Anoka County sheriff’s deputies and Allina Health EMTs for an afternoon of holiday shopping with donated gift cards.
The officers shopped with the kids for items on the youngster’s shopping lists, and then helped them wrap the gifts at the store.
In many cases, the officer, firefighter, or EMT escorted the child to and from the store for the event.
Organizers said they received more donations this year from community partners and sponsoring companies, and that allowed them to each child more money to spend.
