DMPD And DMFD Spread Holiday Cheer With Shopping Spree For Local Children | City of Des Moines
DMPD And DMFD Spread Holiday Cheer With Shopping Spree For Local Children | City of Des Moines
Dozens of police officers and firefighters became personal holiday shoppers Wednesday evening.
The Holidays With Heroes program gave 40 local children an opportunity to shop with first responders who helped them pick out gifts for their families and themselves at the Merle Hay Mall Target.
"This is one of the greatest events we do every year,” Des Moines Police Lieutenant Tina Kalar said. "We provide an opportunity for these kids to find gifts for their family and spread a little holiday spirit during a time that can be hard for some families."
Kids were assigned a first-responder mentor and shared a meal with them before shopping for their families and wrapping the gifts to take home.
“It’s amazing to the smiles on their faces as they run through the aisles and shop for their families,” Des Moines Fire Medic Hali VanVelzen said. “It’s so much fun to interact with them, get to know them and be able to spend this time helping some really amazing kids.”
The Holidays With Heroes event was made possible because of volunteers and financial support from the following organizations:
- The REAL Santa (Rex Coble)
- DMPD
- DMFD
- Iowa State Patrol
- Iowa Army National Guard
- Iowa Air National Guard
- Country Financial
- Family and Friends of the Des Moines Police Activities League
- Conlin Properties
- Target Heroes & Helpers Program
- Target Des Moines Local Stores
- Des Moines Police Activities League
- PFIS
Alerts Sign-up