The Dallas Police Department, Dallas Fire Rescue, Safer Dallas Better Dallas, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, ACT for Justice and Target teamed up on Tuesday for Target’s Heroes and Helpers Event to benefit local children.

More than 75 local kids got the chance to shop with a gift card alongside a Dallas Police Officer or firefighter at Target Cityplace in Dallas, have some hot cocoa and take a photo with Santa!

The gift cards were generously donated by Target through a grant and by Safer Dallas Better Dallas.

In addition to shopping, the kids also got the chance to meet members of DFR and Dallas Police Specialty Units. Members of DPD’s Mounted Unit, K-9 Unit, Drone Unit, and SWAT were on hand, along with marked DPD cars and a DFR firetruck.

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“This event is what the holiday season is all about. We are grateful to be a part of this program and give back to our community. While the focus today is all about the kids, it is also special to our officers, seeing the smiles on their faces. We don’t want our kids to only see us in a moment of crisis. Today is about making connections and building trust for years to come.”                                                                   – Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia

“Safer Dallas is thrilled to partner with this amazing group of community leaders and nonprofits to help transform the holiday season for some very special and deserving kids and their families.”                          – Courtney Underwood, Safer Dallas

“The holidays can be a very difficult time for families. There is a drastic impact on the whole family after an abusive incident occurs.  The ability to shop for Christmas wishes with a safe first responder creates a memory of a lifetime.”                                                                                                                                  – The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC)

“A healthy community involves everyone pitching in and coming together. We at ACT (Advocates for Community Transformation) are so grateful to be a small part of spreading holiday cheer to our neighbors in Dallas.”                                                                                                                                         – ACT for Justice

Heroes & Helpers is a joint effort between Target, charity organizations and first responders.