SALISBURY, MD – Dozens of local children received holiday support and a memorable shopping experience this weekend through a community partnership involving first responders and local organizations. According to a post made on the City of Salisbury’s official Facebook page, the Salisbury Police Department and Salisbury Fire Department hosted the annual Shop with a Hero event Saturday in partnership with Behind the Line, Inc. The event is designed to help local children and families during the holiday season while strengthening positive connections with first responders.
56 children participated in the main event at Sam’s Club, where each child was paired with a police officer or firefighter for a personal shopping experience. Organizers said the effort expanded beyond the planned event when police officers surprised additional families at a nearby Walmart, giving more than a dozen families the opportunity to shop alongside first responders. City officials reported that more than $7,000 was raised to support the event. That total included a $5,000 grant provided by Sam’s Club. The funds were used to provide gift cards, allowing children to shop for holiday gifts for themselves and their families. Several regional agencies also took part in the event, including the Fruitland Police Department, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Wicomico County District Court Bailiff’s Office and Ocean City Police Department. City officials credited donors, volunteers, retail employees and participating agencies for making the event possible and helping create a positive holiday experience for local children and families.
Photo: City of Salisbury, Maryland Facebook page.