Buffalo Grove Police Officers, Firefighters Holiday Shop With Kids

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — For the sixth straight year, Buffalo Grove police officers and firefighters gave back to the community with the annual "Shopping With Heroes" event. The holiday event was held on Dec. 10 at Target in Wheeling,

"The officers and firefighters look forward to this event every year," said Deputy Chief Michael Szos, who also participated in the event. "It's a great way to give back and help spread some holiday cheer to those who may be needing it most."

Donations from the police and fire departments, along with generous donations from the "Temple Chai Guys" men’s group from Temple Chai and other anonymous donors, made the event possible.

According to organizers, the department identified 16 local children in need to provide gifts for – children who had faced personal or financial family hardships. Police officers and firefighters volunteered their time to shop with the youth. The children were guided to choose educational items along with their other desired gifts, with the remainder spent on gifts for family and loved ones.

After shopping, the children were brought back to the police station for gift wrapping, pizza and treats. The treat bags and wrapping paper were donated by Target.