'Shop With A Cop' Event Gets New Identity

As “Shop with a Cop” approaches its 10-year anniversary change is coming according to organizer Erin Heidemann.

Erin said the “big changes” include a name change. The event will now be called “Holiday Heroes.”  The name Holiday Heroes reflects all the people and agencies involved in the event, such as police, ambulance personnel, fire departments, the sheriff’s office, state patrol, the ladies auxiliary, businesses and donors. 

The change is a result of COVID-19, of course, but also the closing of Shopko and the need to include all agencies. The organizers want to continue to use local businesses and the focus now will be on those more in need within our community.

Recommendations for children to participate will still come through the school. Parents of selected students will get a letter from the school, and their response is necessary for their child to participate.

Last year, 50 children from the 1st to 6th grade were selected but in an effort to have more “one-on-one contact with the emergency personnel” only 25 children will participate in the program, basically 5 per grade. This is a more manageable number, according to Heidemann especially with COVID-19 in the community.

Heidemann praised local groups and businesses and expressed how lucky it is to have so many donations. Topping off the donations list was the Amazon toy store of the late Mitch Kolar. Mitch’s sisters donated all the items from his kids store to Holiday Heroes.

Also, the Red Knights have donated 4 bicycles to give away and naturally, locals have donated money to help buy gift cards to Main Street Market for all 25 kids. 

Dec. 12 will start with a breakfast for the 25 kids at the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department. Then comes the gift giving and finally, the morning will conclude with the kid’s favorite activity, a ride in the emergency vehicles.

Shortie Keifer started the Shop with a Cop 10 years ago and it evolved into a huge community event.

There is still time to contribute to Holiday Heroes. If interested, call Erin Heidemann at 308-235-8104.