Dexter, Missouri - "Shop With a Hero" program helped more than 300 children with gifts this holiday season.  The event took place in three different stages at the Wal-Mart store in Dexter.  Children were divided into groups of 100 and each shopped with a HERO!

Firefighters, police officers, probation and parole officers, highway patrol, and EMT's dressed in their best uniforms drove to Wal-Mart and volunteered their time to help children shop for their favorite toys.  Each child was given $75 to shop with and Santa took time out of his busy schedule to greet them. 

It was emotional for some of the emergency responders as each child was assigned a "HERO"!  Some were grinning and laughing, others a little tear in the corner of their eye, but each HERO was happy to help a child who was less fortunate than others this holiday season.

Several emergency personnel from Stoddard County decided to make Christmas a little brighter for underprivileged children and now 13 years later they are still able to bring joy to children of Stoddard County.

Over $22,000 was donated to Shop With A Hero from fundraisers, individual contributions and business donations.  Debbie Juden, Wal-Mart Manager in Dexter is a huge supporter of this worthy organization.

The program is for youngsters 3 to 10 years of age and if you are interested in donating or volunteering please contact Carol Moreland at 573-624-9086.  Shop With a Hero is a wonderful way to help the children of our community.