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Police Officers and Children Spread Holiday Cheer in Edwardsville

1 year 6 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — The aisles of Target in Edwardsville buzzed with excitement Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2024, as local police officers partnered with children from 14 families for the annual Christmas with a Cop shopping event. Organized by the Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 244, the initiative has provided holiday cheer for at least 15 years. Approximately 30 children participated in this year's event, which aims to ensure that families in need enjoy a special holiday season. In addition to shopping for gifts, each family received food baskets and a box of household goods, thanks to the support of local businesses and community members. The event began with a breakfast gathering at a nearby Chick-fil-A, where participants fueled up before heading to Target in a police convoy, complete with sirens and lights. Officers and their families assisted the children in wrapping presents after their shopping spree. The Edwardsville FOP Lodge 244 expressed gratitude

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Granite City Children Celebrate Holidays With Local Heroes

1 year 6 months ago
GRANITE CITY — More than 40 children in Granite City experienced an early holiday celebration during the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. The program pairs students with local first responders, allowing them to select gifts while creating lasting memories. Participants enjoyed rides in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance to Walmart, where they picked out gifts. Following their shopping spree, families gathered at Township Hall for a meal provided by St. John UCC Granite City. The event aims to foster positive relationships between youth and first responders while providing children with a festive experience during the holiday season. This year’s event highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting its youth and promoting goodwill. Photos from the event were taken by Chris Mitchell and BC Photography, capturing the joyous moments shared between the children and their heroic shopping partners. With first responders as their

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