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Community: 12-18-24 Hilo Heroes and Helpers Event Brings Christmas Joy to East Hawai‘i Keiki
Santa made an early stop in Hilo for the annual Heroes and Helpers event on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Hilo Target store. Modeled after the popular “Shop with a Cop” program, its mission is to foster positive relationships between law enforcement, disadvantaged keiki, and the community. This year’s event was a resounding success, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies teaming up with Catholic Charities to provide a memorable shopping experience for 50 disadvantaged children.
This special event allowed first responders from the Hawai‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i Fire Department, Hawai‘i State Sheriff’s Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources, rangers with the National Park Service to connect and build trust with the children while helping them shop for Christmas gifts. Each child received a $125 gift card to purchase items of their choosing, which could include gifts for themselves, parents, siblings, or others. Once their selections were made, volunteers provided expert gift-wrapping services by to prepare the presents for Christmas.
“It was wonderful to see the joy on the kids’ faces while they bonded with the heroes,” said Lieutenant William Derr, who oversees Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section. Volunteers and police recruits, known as “helpers,” assisted with tracking purchases and supporting the officers throughout the event, with one recruit saying, “I’m hooked, I’ll be volunteering every year!”
After shopping and wrapping, the children were treated to bentos to conclude the day.
“It was an honor to work with so many selfless people in organizing the event,” said Derr, “and a reminder of what the holidays are all about.”
This heartwarming event exemplified the power of community partnerships and the holiday spirit. Hawai‘i Police Department thanks everyone who helped make this event possible! |
