Annual ‘Shop With a Hero’ Event at Alpena Meijer

Police and firefighters gathered at the Alpena Meijer on Wednesday evening to celebrate this year’s ‘Shop With a Hero’ event, a chance for them to spend some time with a handful of less fortunate kids in the area and spread some holiday cheer.

36 local police, firefighters, and some military personnel all got together at the Alpena Meijer on Wednesday for the annual ‘shop with a hero’ event. It’s the first chance they’ve gotten to do this event in three years.

Children from all over the area who may be a bit less fortunate are paired with a police officer or firefighter and are given a $125 gift card to shop to the fullest of their hearts desire. It’s a fun way for law enforcement and first responders to be able to spread some Christmas cheer and help those who may not be able to help themselves.

“What we love is the opportunity to get face to face time with the kids,” said State Trooper Robert Mitchell. “People think we’re there just to arrest people and write tickets, so it’s wonderful when we get an opportunity to show them the other side of police work and firefighters, we even have some heroes from the base as well. We’re here to help people.”

He coordinated with the state police to bring everyone together. He got some help from Meijer and some sponsors to make the event possible.

“To be able to bring the community together with the local law enforcement and other heroes of the community, it’s a great way to help bridge the gap between the citizens of the community and local law enforcement and other heroes that are here to serve us day to day,” said Warren Richter, Store Director at Meijer.

The idea of being able to bring together the people of Alpena and those who serve them was one of the main reasons why trooper Mitchell was so enthusiastic about the event.

“People that get into these types of jobs, they do it because they want to help,” said Mitchell. “They want to serve the community. And this is a wonderful, wonderful way, especially at Christmastime, to serve the community.”

Mancino’s also sponsored the event with pizza for those participating, and Santa showed up as well. It’s safe to say that Christmas cheer was spread throughout the area.