Shop with a Hero program helps 40 Valley children have a merry Christmas

WASILLA— Alaskan first responders from across the state gathered at the Wasilla Walmart Supercenter Sunday, Dec. 19 to support local families in need during the annual Shop with Hero event.

Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers joined Wasilla Police Department, Palmer Police Department, Central Mat-Su Fire Department, Matcom, Palmer Dispatch, the Palmer DA’s Office, Alaska Police, and Fire Chaplains, and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Fire to shop alongside families to provide gifts to their children for Christmas morning.

“It went well. I can’t thank everyone enough for participating,” AST Southcentral Alaska Captain Tony April said. “I think it’s tremendous. I think this is a way to give back to those communities and the people they serve.”

The Shop with a Hero program is a statewide event, and 40 Valley children in need received gifts this year.

April said this is higher than the year before, and that trend will continue from here. He said that it’s inspiring to see Walmart, and so many different agencies and members of the public come together to make this annual tradition happen for those who need it most.

“I think all of us can be heroes in our own way. It doesn’t always have to be first responders,” April said.

According to April, the DA’s office participated for the first time this year. He said there were plenty of fire engines, police cruisers, and other first responder vehicles parked out front with their lights flashing.

“It’s definitely noticeable when the fire trucks have their lights on,” April said with a laugh.

April said that he loves helping out during this event and getting to see the families’ faces when they pick out their presents makes it all worthwhile.

“When you see the families walk in there and they know they’re getting something from the heart. You can’t put a dollar amount on that. It’s priceless,” April said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com