While the aisles at Target were full of people shopping for Christmas gifts, sixty local kids were given a special shopping experience: a chance to buy gifts for their family with the help of a police officer or firefighter.
All of the kids that were chosen have different stories.
“It could be they just fell on hard times,” said Moore.
Their hero picked them up from school in their squad car or firetruck and brought them to Target. From there they hit the aisles, looking for fun gifts to give their family. Each child got a $100 budget for gifts, and In this group, some of the shopping lists were just a list of basic necessities, and Officer Moore worked hard to meet those needs.
“I set aside $500 for necessity items, because we have kids who are checking out right now with food, socks, boots, and I don’t want that to be taken for their $100.”
There’s one item that officer Moore has seen on wish lists every year that she has done this. And it never gets easier.
“I’m always surprised with food. I’m always surprised that we have in the city of Blaine here kids that really need food. I think we forget about that. I think we forget that there are kids right within our own city that really need some help.”
After shopping, Target donated a meal for all the kids in attendance, donated wrapping paper for all of the gifts, and extra money for gifts.
The agencies that joined the Blaine Police Department for Heroes and Helpers were: Blaine Police Explorers, Anoka County Sheriff’s Department, Centennial Lakes Police Department, Lino Lakes Department of Public Safety, Minnesota State Patrol and Spring Lake Park – Mounds View – Blaine Fire Department.
Everyone that participated was also able to get their photos taken by Alicia Marie Photography and in a Ritz Photo Booth.
