Every year deputies with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office, municipal police officers, firefighters, emergency medical responders, and soldiers team up to take deserving children to Walmart to "Shop with a Hero" for the holidays. This year, they hope to provide Christmas for 100 children in the area.
As the holiday season approaches, these individuals see the various needs of families in our community as they struggle to secure gifts for their children. Shop with a Hero allows these youth to go shopping with hometown heroes in hopes of establishing a positive relationship between the two. Shortly after Thanksgiving, schools in the area supply names of children they believe would most benefit from this program.
Children are encouraged to purchase gifts as well as items they may need such as clothing, coats, and other supplies. Certain items, such as violent movies or video games, are not allowed to be purchased.
This event is made possible through the charity of community members. Donations can be made either online at https://www.gofundme.com/fp6fuc44 or in person at the Sheriff's Office in Pineville up until Dec. 21. when the shopping takes place.
"We even get donations that day," said Sheriff Michael Hall. "People will see us out there with the (other personnel) and the kids and contribute money."
According to Hall, in the past deputies have been known to reach into their own pockets to purchase a companion toy for a child or chip in so that the kids can get a little something extra.
"Some kids will get a full basket while others will maybe get a bicycle and then the guys will make sure that they have a helmet and safety equipment," Hall explained.
For more information, contact the McDonald County Sheriff's Office at 417-223-4319.
General News on 11/26/2015