Over 30 Boys and Girls Shop With a Hero for Christmas at Meijer Alpena

There wasn’t a frown in sight, but all smiles, as kids and their loved ones took a shopping cart to begin their journey, shopping with a hero for Christmas that is.

Wednesday night Meijer in Alpena provided 30 boys and girls with a $100 gift card to go shopping with, to make their holiday wishes come true.

“They can use that (card) to purchase one big item or a lot of small items… And you see a little bit of everything with the kids and what they purchase,” Richter said.

Since 1934 Meijer has been giving back to charities like shop with a hero.

“Since day one it’s been about giving back to the communities that we service. We give back as a company 6% of our annual profits to various charities and organizations and this is just one of them. Being able to do this at a local level and allow these kids to come in and shop for their Christmas, which they might not otherwise be able to have,” Richter added.

Partnering with DHS, Meijer provided Christmas gifts for some of the most needy children in Alpena and the surrounding counties.

Store director, warren Richter said he enjoys watching each child listen to a hero’s story as they shop.

“You see a lot of everything with the kids that come in to shop. You’ll some that are very serious about shopping for that mom or that dad or that brother or sister, and you see a little bit of them shopping for themselves as well. And that’s what makes it so much fun…when you’re out there and see what they’re picking out, and hearing the stories that you know the hero’s tell back. This is a very meaningful night for them as well. They enjoy this and look forward to it every year. So it’s great to be able to be apart of the community, to be able to give back to the community, and sponsor events like this,” he finished.