About Us

What is Holiday with a Hero?

Holiday with a Hero is a heartwarming community event that brings together local heroes and children to share the spirit of giving during the holiday season. The purpose of the event is to foster positive relationships between youth and emergency services personnel — including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and park wardens — while creating lasting memories that build trust and community connection.

Each year, children between the ages of 6 and 12 are selected to take part in a special Christmas shopping experience at our local Wal-Mart. Every child is paired with a “hero” who accompanies them as they shop for gifts for their immediate family — and one special gift for themselves. Each child is given a set amount of money to spend, and their hero helps make the experience fun, meaningful, and memorable.

After shopping, the children enjoy breakfast with Santa, visit the Elves’ gift-wrapping station, and spend time celebrating the season with games, face painting, inflatable bouncy castles, and, of course, their hero. Every child also takes home a festive gift bag filled with goodies to share with their family.

The program began in the winter of 2014 with fewer than 50 children, and today it has grown to include more than 120 participants. Holiday with a Hero is made possible entirely through community generosity — from local sponsors and donors to the more than 100 volunteers who help wrap gifts, organize activities, and ensure every child has an unforgettable day.

Together, we celebrate the magic of the holidays, the strength of our community, and the heroes who make a difference every day.