First responders volunteer their time to help kids buy presents for thier families in 2023. Photo: Shanen Corlett
The Lakeville Public Safety Foundation pairs first responders with kids in need to make their holidays brighter.
Every December, local police officers and firefighters are paired with middle and high school students in need of an unforgettable shopping experience. Shop with a Hero is a one-day event that gives the kids an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their families (and, of course, something for themselves).
“Shop with a Hero is such a special event because it allows us to connect with the community in a very personal way,” says Shanen Corlett, founder of the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation (LPSF). “It’s about more than just giving gifts; it’s about showing these kids that they’re cared for and that their stories matter.”
For a decade, LPSF has supported the firefighters, police officers and other first responders who serve the city. Founded officially in 2015, the nonprofit organization primarily writes grants to help fund nonessential safety equipment, support training initiatives and organize community programs. To date, it’s given more than $600,000 for initiatives like a drone program for the fire department, a mobile crime scene trailer for the police department, community picnics and more. “What can we do that might make the job a little bit easier or a little bit safer?” Corlett says.
But this time of year, the first responders volunteer to give a little more. School resource officers help identify kids who would benefit from Shop with a Hero, while other participants are referred by their families or community members. Tweens and teens are eligible if they live or attend school in Lakeville.
Lakeville Fire Department’s fire chief Mike Meyer, who’s been involved with the program since its inception, says Shop with a Hero is about togetherness—and listening. “The time spent shopping with the kids is not just about shopping for a gift for a family member, but also a time for them to share their stories about their family that no one else may know, and that’s OK,” Meyer says.
The day of the event, participants typically gather at Target; Corlett and the LPSF work with the local store to coordinate the shopping sprees. The kids meet “their” firefighter and police officer and get to hang out together in the break room after shopping to share a meal and wrap their gifts. The program serves around 50 students annually—that’s more than 500 since it formally began a decade ago.
And Meyer notes that the kids most in need are often the first to offer generosity. “Every year I have gone shopping, the kids are always thinking of others before themselves,” Meyer says. “Their own gift is always the last one we get.”
Corlett says that funding Shop with a Hero is the easy part, with plenty of support from community businesses and individuals who are quick to jump in with fundraising and sponsorships. “Our community is beyond generous when it comes to this program,” Corlett says. “And the first responders are so generous, because they’re volunteering their time.” She estimates that around 100 volunteers are needed throughout the day to coordinate, serve food, wrap gifts and more.
“We are fortunate to have such great support from our community and LPSF to help facilitate events like this,” Meyer says.
To learn more about LPSF and find out how you can get involved or help with Shop with a Hero, visit lpsfmn.org. Corlett says financial donations—which can be made online—are one of the best ways to support their work.
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