Reliving traditions and creating new memories go a long way in making this time of year special. During an event called Heroes and Helpers, law enforcement officers shop with kids whose families may have trouble making ends meet. The Banquet food ministry in Sioux Falls connected the children with the event at two Sioux Falls Target stores on Tuesday.
It’s not just about what’s in the shopping carts, but also the connections made. Officer Michelle Paulsen with the Sioux Falls Police Department is spending time with five-year-old Akyra of Sioux Falls.
“I’ve been doing this for several years, and I love it,” Paulsen said. “It’s just so much fun to shop with these kids, who just, they get so excited to be able to pick out things that they want, and it just gets you in the holiday spirit, and just makes you grateful for the things that you have.”
You can’t miss what she says is her favorite part.
“I think maybe just seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they pick something out and they know that they get to buy it and take it home,” Paulsen said.
Kyle Johnson is a community resource officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department who helped organize Tuesday’s outing. He says around 40 kids were able to take part in Tuesday’s event. Each kid receives a $50 gift card from Target.
“Whatever doesn’t get covered, some of the officers give some money themselves,” Johnson said.
At its best, this time of year is about bringing people together. This event Tuesday night is an example.
“You create a friendship, and it just lets them know that we’re nice people and that we’re good people,” Paulsen said.
“It bridges barriers, and it helps reach out and let people know what officers are truly about,” Johnson said. “Sometimes when officers go someplace there’s some type of crisis, something bad that’s happening, and sometimes that’s the only time where people actually interact with law enforcement.”
“I saw one of my kids that I did this experience with a couple years ago during that summer, and she recognized me, and it was just a lot of fun,” Paulsen said. “She came up and gave me a hug, so I think they do remember, and of course we remember, too.”