Annual Texas County Shop With a Hero event

Photo by Alicia Dixon
Shoppers at Houston Walmart Saturday morning likely saw some of these faces accompanying children around the store on a shopping spree.

Organizers anticipated between 240 and 250 children would attend the annual Shop With a Hero event at Houston Walmart on Saturday morning. Members of Texas County law enforcement, firefighters, dispatchers, emergency medical services, South Central Corrections Center staff and more were on hand to help children in need shop for toys, clothing, food and other items. State Representative Bennie Cook directed the event and many other volunteers were involved as well, making the event a success.

Children were greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Santa’s elf. Santa handed out candy canes and bags of candy for children to enjoy as they waited in line for the event to begin. Then children were matched with heroes and began their quest for their perfect gift. Some children had their shopping list memorized and were checking out their items before children near the back of the line had even begun to shop. Others were there longer, trying to decide how to spend their funds.

The annual event is a collaboration between Texas County first responders and public safety personnel, schools, churches, businesses and other organizations who participate by raising funds for the event, by identifying children who are in need, and in many other facets of the event. It helps build positive relationships between local youth and public safety workers, while working to ensure every child in Texas County has a bright Christmas.