For more than 20 years, Smyrna’s public safety community has brought holiday cheer to children in need.

The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation’s Shop with a Hero, held with the Smyrna Fire Department and Smyrna Police Department, has become a source of hope each December. The effort grew after then-Fire Chief Roy Acree started the foundation in 2008 to support first responders and the community.

The event is planned in partnership with the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation and Smyrna first responders.

Police officers and firefighters volunteer to pick up students, shop alongside them and help make the day memorable, often using vacation time or giving up a day’s pay.

School counselors select the participants. Organizers say no child in need is turned away. In 2025, 100 elementary and middle school students participated.

On event day, first responders pick up children from their schools and take them to a local Walmart, pairing each child with an officer or firefighter. The children shop for essentials, toys and gifts for family members.

Afterward, participants gather for a festive lunch, where children eat with their heroes, meet Santa Claus and receive a holiday meal kit before returning to school.

Organizers say the program does more than provide gifts. It helps build trust and positive relationships between young people and first responders, while easing financial strain for families during the holidays.

Local businesses, volunteers, and residents support the event, and local churches provide vans and food.

The program is funded entirely by donations. Each child receives $250 for essentials and toys, plus $25 for a holiday meal kit.

Consider supporting Shop With a Hero. Click here to donate.

For more information, visit SmyrnaPSF.org.