MUNCIE, Ind. — Local children in need will again go shopping with “heroes and helpers” this holiday season.
“Heroes and Helpers” Christmas shopping events, hosted by Muncie Crime Stoppers, is set for two Saturday mornings. The first will be on Dec. 7 at the south Muncie Walmart, 1501 E. 29th St., with the second planned Dec. 14 at the Muncie Target store, 3601 N. Barr St.
In a release, Bruce Qualls, a retired Muncie police sergeant who has a long history with “Heroes and Helpers,” said about 150 children are expected at each event.
Applicants to participate are vetted by the Salvation Army.
Each child is partnered with a “hero” — first responders including law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel — or a a community volunteer, in the role of a “helper,” and are given a gift card to Christmas shop for themselves or members of their families.
Muncie police officers — through membership in Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87 — have long supported the effort, along with Delaware County sheriff’s deputies and officers from other area departments, and other first responders.
For several years, the events were known as “Shop with a Cop.”
A name change became necessary, however, after an Ohio firm trademarked that phrase and required payment if it was used in fund-raising activities.