BIRCH RUN -- Local law enforcement teamed up with area kids for the annual “Shop With a Hero” program.
One special little girl was on a mission. She knew exactly what she wanted, and her heroes literally had to run for their money.
There were dozens of firefighters, police officers, and EMS crews at the Meijer in Birch Run Wednesday night, but it wasn't for an emergency.
“Wow, I can't believe I get to go with a hero today,” said Chesaning Resident, Samantha Dunster.
Instead, ten lucky kids, chosen by the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office were able to spend $100 shopping with a local hero.
The goal? “Helping them not to be afraid of police or fire,” said Larry Prueter, the Assistant Fire Chief of the Taymouth Township Fire Department.
The Taymouth Township Fire Department has participated in the program for several years now, but this year Grandpa Bob, and Grandpa Larry were paired up with 7-year-old Samantha.
Samantha Dunster came from Chesaning to shop, and was ready with a list.
“Let's get this one,” said Dunster.
She knew exactly what she wanted.
“Yep, and one of the other ones,” said Dunster.
A cooking set for her.
A pillow for her seven month old sister Payton…
“She likes to lay on pretty soft stuff,” said Dunster.
A Lego set...
“For my little brother, he likes to build,” said Dunster.
And entertainment for the whole family…
“Down here are the movies,” said Dunster.
Samantha ran circles around Bob and Larry.
They say it’s easier to navigate through a burning house than it is through the toy aisles.
“She burned some rubber, no grass grew under them tennis shoes,” said Prueter.
“It's almost like she had roller skates on,” said Bob Bowns, the Fire Chief of the Taymouth Township Fire Department.
But Samantha did pause to high five Saginaw Spirit's mascot, and to sing a verse from her favorite CD with Bob and Larry.
“On the road, yeah, yeah, yeah, we see a picture of ministry,” said Dunster.
When it was time to add it all up Samantha was about $30 dollars over.
That’s when Larry and Bob took out their wallets to make up the difference.
But for Samantha, getting gifts isn't what Christmas is all about.
“Christmas will remind us when Jesus was born,” said Dunster.
That’s all these guys needed to hear.
“You're a good girl, thank you,” said Bowns.
The Saginaw Sheriff’s Office also raised enough money so that each family got to take home a cart load of groceries from Meijer.
The Meijer on Tittabawassee Road also participated in the “Shop With a Hero” program.
