Novi Police and Fire Departments Bring Holiday Cheer to Underprivileged Kids

Novi Police and Fire Departments Bring Holiday Cheer to Underprivileged Kids

Novi, Michigan — The holiday spirit was in full swing in Novi as the local Police and Fire departments came together on December 14th to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth. The annual Shop with a Hero event was a heartwarming occasion where first responders joined forces with young shoppers to pick out clothing and other necessities.

This year, 14 children were selected from the Novi Youth Assistance program, and they got paired with 10 police officers and four firefighters eager to help. The event took place at Kohl’s, where the kids were given a budget of $300 to spend on essentials like clothes, shoes, and toiletries. It was a fantastic opportunity for these children to choose what they truly wanted and needed.

Making a Difference

According to Sabrina Matsil, a dedicated caseworker with Novi Youth Assistance, kids were nominated by their schools or chosen based on their needs. “There’s a little misconception that there aren’t many families in need in Novi, but there definitely are,” said Matsil. She added that there are multiple calls each week from families struggling with housing, utility bills, and other financial stressors.

The impact of the Shop with a Hero program is profound. Instead of receiving handouts during the holiday season, these children got to experience the joy of shopping independently, choosing items that excited them. One delighted 13-year-old, Sophia Rowland, expressed her feelings simply: “I can get everything I want! They gave me money. That’s what I like.”

Breaking Stereotypes

This event was more than just shopping; it was about creating a positive connection between the children and the police officers and firefighters who serve their community. Many of the officers sacrificed their day off, with some arriving right after long shifts to ensure that the kids had a memorable experience.

Officer Reed Ladd, who worked a night shift before the event, shared, “It’s good to see things in a different light versus on the road, where sometimes it’s not positive. Everyone is happy to see us today.” This sentiment echoed throughout the event; officers were seen having fun with the kids, chatting and laughing as they navigated the aisles.

Building Trust One Shopping Trip at a Time

For many children, interacting with first responders is essential for building trust and reducing stigma. According to Matsil, shopping for clothes independently boosts their confidence. “Having access to a police officer one-on-one reduces the stigma around police,” she said. This connection was particularly significant for Autumn, a participant who previously had a negative view of officers. “I think now that I know police officers do things to help, it opened my eyes,” she reflected.

A Day Full of Smiles

Carrie Reichley, an administrative assistant at Novi Youth Assistance, remarked on the joy seen on the children’s faces. “Look at that smile; that’s why we do it,” she said, pointing out Gio Clavenna, 9, who was thrilled with his new purchases.

The local Kohl’s store staff worked alongside the officers to create a positive atmosphere, offering discounts to ensure the kids could get everything they wanted without exceeding their budgets. “We love being able to give back to the community,” said Kohl’s store manager Amanda Wagenmaker. “It’s so fun to see the kids get everything their heart desires.”

Community Support Makes It All Possible

Funding for the event came from the Novi Police and Fire Benevolent Association, showcasing how essential community support is for making these events happen. Matsil encouraged anyone who knows a family in need to refer them to Novi Youth Assistance. “We’re here to help, and we can’t do it without the community,” she stated.

Shopping events like this not only put smiles on children’s faces but also serve as vital reminders of the power of kindness and community. With continued support and involvement from everyone, Novi can continue spreading joy and ensuring that every child feels valued.