SHOP WITH A HERO

First Responder Support’s Shop with a HERO program brings local first responders together with children and families in our community to make the holiday season a little brighter. Through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners, participating children receive a special holiday shopping experience alongside local first responders.

SWAH CHIEF LEVEL SPONSOR

shop with a

HERO

2026 SHOP WITH A HERO

2026 SWAH EVENT PAGE & APPLICATION

Shop with a HERO (SWAH)

First Responder Support’s Shop with a HERO program brings local first responders together with children and families throughout Boone County to make the holiday season a little brighter. Through the generous support of our Chief Level Sponsor, Walmart, along with our donors, volunteers, community partners, and local first responder agencies, participating families receive a special holiday shopping experience while building positive connections with the first responders who serve their community.

More Than Shop with a Cop

Shop with a HERO was developed using the traditional Shop with a Cop program as its foundation—but First Responder Support wanted to make the experience more inclusive of the entire public safety community.

Our program brings together first responders from across Boone County, including firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement officers, sheriff’s deputies, and 911 dispatchers. These men and women work together every day to protect and serve our community, and Shop with a HERO gives families an opportunity to meet them in a positive, welcoming, and memorable environment.

During each Shop with a HERO event, participating families are paired with a local first responder who accompanies them on a special shopping trip at Walmart, our Chief Level Sponsor. Together, they shop for items that will help make the upcoming holiday season a little more special.

Supporting Families Where It Matters Most

Shop with a HERO is specifically designed to assist local families experiencing financial need. Each participating family receives purchasing guidelines that help ensure program funds are used where they can have the greatest impact. Our priority is making sure the children within each household have access to essential items they need, while also giving families an opportunity to enjoy the excitement and joy that comes with shopping for the holidays.

But the impact of Shop with a HERO often extends well beyond the financial assistance provided by the program.

Year after year, many of our participating first responders choose to go above and beyond by purchasing additional items for families using their own personal funds. These acts of generosity are not required—they are simply examples of the compassion, dedication, and commitment our local first responders have for the people they serve.

For many families, the experience becomes about much more than what goes into the shopping cart. It is an opportunity for children to interact with first responders in a fun and positive setting, for families to know their community supports them, and for first responders to connect personally with the people behind the calls and communities they serve.

Growing Our Impact

As First Responder Support prepares for our 5th Shop with a HERO event, we are continuing to grow and improve the program. Our goal is to create an experience that is organized, welcoming, meaningful, and enjoyable for every child, parent or guardian, first responder, volunteer, and community partner who participates. The continued growth of Shop with a HERO would not be possible without the tremendous support of Walmart, our first responder agencies, donors, volunteers, and community partners who believe in the mission of this program.

Every contribution—whether through financial support, volunteering, or community partnership—helps us serve more families and create an even greater impact throughout Boone County.

Help Us Make the Holidays Brighter

Want to support Shop with a HERO?
Use the donation link below to make a contribution directly to the Shop with a HERO program. Your support helps provide local children and families with essential items and a holiday experience they will remember for years to come.

DONATE HERE

QUESTIONS?

Looking for more information about Shop with a HERO?
Reach out to the First Responder Support team using the link below to learn more about the program, volunteering, sponsorship opportunities, or ways your organization can get involved.