The Baldwin Fire and Police Departments sponsor “Shop with a Hero” each year to bring Christmas to families. Monday morning, 12 students from Baldwin Elementary School, accompanied by their families and volunteers, were able to buy Christmas gifts that they would not have been able to this year because of financial challenges.
Big smiles and excitement
The students and their families arrived at Walmart Monday at 9:00 a.m. wearing big smiles and a lot of excitement. A budget was assigned for each family. Volunteers could not exceed the amount, distributing half of the money to be spent on clothing and the other half spent on toys or electronics.
The big man himself, Santa Claus, was on hand for the occasion, assisting families in selecting gifts from the various departments in the store.
Tiffany White expressed her gratitude for the “Shop with a Hero” program. Her son Adam Norton is a student at Baldwin Elementary School.
“It means so much because we are, unfortunately, unable to provide toys for my child.” She adds, “It’s a sweet gesture for the kids that are here.”
The program is a blessing
Baldwin Elementary School Counselor Seresa Garrett believes this program is a blessing for the school. “For me, it is just a tremendous blessing and outpouring of love to our school that we can certainly feel. Not only at Christmas but all year long.”
The Christmas spirit flowed through the aisles as many of the students selected gifts, not only for themselves but for family members.
A way to give back
Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy explained this is something the fire department and police department wanted to do to give back to the community and to help families in Baldwin who are having a hard time financially. He coordinates the “Shop with a Hero” program with Baldwin Elementary School administrators who assist in selecting the families each year.
Roy has been the organizer of the event each year since 2011, “We always go to the schools for Public Safety Week. We would hear stories from the teachers about children not having good Christmases. We wanted to help, and that’s one way we could.”
Nancy Meaders, the Walmart coordinator for the “Shop with a Hero” program, was the Walmart associate who rang up every student’s gifts after they completed their shopping. She stated this gesture means so much. “It means that the community is helping people that need the help.”
Santa Claus even weighed in on the event. He explained that for those that don’t believe in Santa that is fine. Christmas isn’t about Santa. “We have such an amazing community that gives back to the community with no expectation of receiving and that’s what Christmas is about.” He added, “It warms my heart.”
Chief Roy wanted to thank everyone for the donations over the past year which have helped to make this a success for the students and their families. “I want to thank all of the people who donated to the fundraisers that we do throughout the year to raise money for ‘Shop with a Hero’. Without them, we couldn’t do it.”
