WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) -- First responders don't always get many opportunities to have positive interactions with kids. The holiday season is a chance to do just that.
For over 10 years, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has been teaming up with Meijer to host the Shop With a Hero event. On Dec. 10, approximately 50 kids from Wyoming-area schools got $100 to shop for gifts for their families and themselves.
"For a lot of these kids, this might be their first interaction with a law enforcement officer, police officer, firefighter or somebody in a uniform," said Sgt. Rory Allen.
It's an opportunity for first responders to be seen in a positive light, while bringing smiles to the kids' faces.
"This is one of our favorite events. I've participated in it just myself for a number of years. A lot of our other officers have. Our police chief herself said this is one of her favorite events of the year," Allen said. "The kids have fun, we have fun, the parents of the kids have a good time, we get the store employees involved, everybody from Meijer is just awesome and it's just a good time."
Volunteers from Grand Rapids First Church were also on hand to help wrap gifts.
"We love our partnership with Meijer and Grand Rapids First Church. They are just an outstanding couple of groups to work with for that, we couldn't do it without them," Allen said. "It's a chance to just spread a little good, have a good time and remember what the holidays are all about."