Shop with a Hero began in 2006 as a one-night event in which children in the community were chosen to spend an evening of personal shopping with officers from our local Police Department. Since 2006, this program has grown to include Police Officers, Sheriff ’s Office Deputies, Firefighters, and many other First Responder agencies.
In December, each year, we partner with the school counselors to nominate 50 to 100 children to participate in the event. First Responder’s from the community are paired with a child and spend the evening sharing a meal, taking pictures with Santa, riding in the units to Walmart, all ending in a Christmas present shopping spree at Walmart.
Historically each child is given $100 gift card to purchase what they have on their wish lists. Shop with a Hero has been blessed by many donors in the community from private donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising opportunities to partnering with local non-profits to engage the community. Some of our consistent partners include Walmart, HF Sinclair, The Artesia Moose Lodge, and Packs of Love.
In the last few years Shop with a Hero has worked to find other ways to get involved and to engage the community. We are participating in the Light Up Artesia Parade and handing out candy at Artesia’s Trick or Treat MainStreet event. We have many exciting fundraising ideas in the works, including a First Responder Softball Game. These outreach and fundraising activities require a significant level of participation and commitment, so we are always on the hunt for individuals to join the Shop with a Hero committee or sponsors to donate to our cause.
Anyone wishing to become a committee member or that is interested in donating can
contact Kristen Cook, President, at 575-420-5511 or Commander Larry Horrell, Vice
President, 575-746-5038.
