12-year-old Aa’laysha Dixon has her shopping list in hand and wants to get her sister a Christmas gift.
“I want to get matching bracelets and maybe some hoodies.”
The fifth grader from Coit Creative Arts Academy is one of a group of students shopping the aisles of the Knapp Corner Meijer Tuesday, chosen by Grand Rapids Public Schools staff for the “Shop with a Hero” program.
“I don’t really try out for things because, you know, social anxiety and all that other stuff, but I’m kind of happy to be here!”
The program pairs children with firefighters, police officers and emergency management to shop for gifts for themselves and their families.
“I know for sure some of them have some tough things going on in their lives and I‘m hoping this opportunity lets them put that in the back of their brains for a little bit. And the officers too because they get to interact with the kids.”
Grand Rapids Police Sgt. Neil Gomez says it’s another way to serve the community and build bonds for the future.
“I know the first impact a firefighter or police officer can have on them and so hopefully we have 25 awesome first impressions of our public safety personnel here in Grand Rapids.”
Meijer also provided a free wrapping station and treats to share after shopping.
