FRESNO (KMJ) — More than a hundred children living in shelter in Fresno have had their Christmas wishes granted following an early morning shopping spree by local first responders.
Staff from American Ambulance, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and Fresno Police arrived at Target in Fresno’s River Park at 5am, for two hours of present purchasing.
“The kids have put together a wish list,” explained Captain Burke Farrah. “Our officers are out here, and our volunteers, picking stuff off the shelves.”
More than $7,000 was spent to ensure the kids have a happy holidays.
“From here, they’re going to go from the cart to a register at Target. They’re going to get rung up,” said Captain Farrah.
“At that point they go right over to the tables to be wrapped by our volunteers. They’ll be wrapped then they’ll be distributed.”
The early morning excursion marks the 17th year of the “Heroes and Helpers Christmas Shopping Event.”
“It comes as a grant through Target to Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch Association, and then there’s a big donation from American Ambulance that helps fund it,” detailed organizer Karen Kroske.
“Today we’re shopping for 130 children that otherwise would not get Christmas.”
The recipients are from a neighborhood outreach program in Downtown Fresno. The ones selected are those considered most in need.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
