Shop With A Hero: Sikeston DPS’ program grows to include older kids and make Christmas brighter

Capt. Jon Broom with Sikeston Department of Public Safety along with a South Scott County EMS employee shop with a Sikeston R-6 student during the annual “Shop With A Hero” event Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at Sikeston Walmart. One hundred fifty-three students from Sikeston R-6 School District shopped with local heroes.

Gina Curtis/Standard Democrat

SIKESTON — Over 150 Sikeston children from kindergarten to high school took part in “Shop With a Hero” Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Walmart in Sikeston. 

“This is our sixth year doing this,” said Brent Mullin, school resource officer for the City of Sikeston/Department of Public Safety. “We used to help other departments do ‘Shop With A Hero,’ and it was not just all of our kids, but we decided six years ago to do one just for Sikeston kids.”

Mullin said this year, 153 children in the Sikeston R-6 School District’s prekindergarten through high school received $200 each to spend while shopping with their local heroes.

According to Mullin, every year, individuals and local businesses raise and donate all of the funds required to make “Shop With A Hero” a reality.

“We have expanded over the years,” Mullin said. “In the past couple of years, we have added junior high and high school.

Mullin continued: “We now know the older kids more; we’ve built that relationship with them so we wanted to add the older kids, too.”

Gina Curtis/Standard Democrat A Sikeston Department of Public Safety officer shops in the book section with a Sikeston Junior High student during the annual “Shop With A Hero” Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at Walmart in Sikeston.

Participating students are chosen based on their needs by the schools with whom they interact on a daily basis. Mullin said recommendations are made by teachers, counselors and administrators.

Mullin said once the students have finished shopping, the school district has all of the presents delivered to their homes and the students return to school.

Lt. Scott Kim with Sikeston DPS was one of the heroes on hand for Wednesday’s event.

“‘Shop With A Hero’ is so important,” Kim said. “We have a big community and we have children who may not get to have a real nice Christmas like all kids deserve to. So, this community event helps make that happen.

Kim continued: “It’s awesome because there are organizations that know of the need and are involved in public service that see the need and everyone is networking. Children enjoy Christmas, and this event benefits the kids by giving them a better Christmas.”

According to Emma Bowers, a third grader at Sikeston schools, she really enjoyed “Shop With A Hero.”

“My favorite thing about it is that there are heroes that come in and save the day and help put a smile on kids’ faces,” Bowers said. 

Another elementary student named Paisley, who is in the first grade, was excited to shop.

“I like how I get all these toys,” Paisley said. “My favorite toy is the Monopoly Stitch game, and I also got a bicycle helmet.” 

Sikeston DPS Officer Harley Reeves said the purpose of “Shop With A Hero” is to give to the kids.

“It makes sure that the kids are getting a Christmas, and it’s just a great positive thing that our community can provide for the children,” Reeves said.