Fifty keiki enjoy a shopping spree with Hawaiʻi Island heroes

Santa Claus made an early stop in Hilo for the ninth annual Heroes and Helpers event for 50 children last Saturday.

Modeled after the popular “Shop with a Cop” program, Heroes and Helpers is designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement, disadvantaged children (keiki), and the community.

This year, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies teamed up with Catholic Charities to provide a memorable shopping experience for 50 disadvantaged children.

The special event allowed first responders from the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement Sheriffs, Department of Land and Natural Resources officers, rangers with the National Park Service, and Hawaiʻi National Guard members 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 to prepare the presents for Christmas.

“It’s humbling to see the appreciation from both the keiki and heroes who make this event what it is,” said Lt. William Derr, who oversees Hawaiʻi 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 snacks and hot chocolate to conclude the day.