Blaine First Responders Bring Holiday Cheer to Youth Through 16th Annual Heroes and Helpers Event

Blaine, Minn. - On December 10, sirens were silent and patrol schedules paused as first responders from across Blaine and neighboring communities gathered for one of the city’s most enduring holiday traditions. The 16th annual Heroes and Helpers event brought together law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel to provide a memorable holiday shopping experience for 70 local children.

Organized by the Blaine Police Department in partnership with community organizations and private donors, Heroes and Helpers connects public safety officials with youth identified by school staff as benefiting from additional support during the holiday season. The program is designed not only to ensure families have gifts to open, but also to build trust and positive relationships between young residents and the people who serve their community.

This year’s event took place at a local Target store, a long standing partner that has helped anchor the program for more than a decade. Children were paired one on one with a “hero” drawn from law enforcement, fire, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, or EMS. Together, they shopped for gifts for parents and siblings, and were encouraged to select at least one item for themselves.

How the Program Works

Participants are selected by social workers and staff from area elementary schools across multiple districts, including Anoka Hennepin, Spring Lake Park, and Centennial. These educators help identify students whose families could use extra assistance during the holidays.

On the day of the event, many children are picked up directly from their schools and transported to Target in emergency vehicles, adding a sense of excitement and celebration. Once inside, each pair shops using donated gift cards, often with carefully prepared lists that prioritize family needs. In addition to toys and clothing, funds are frequently used to purchase winter essentials such as coats and boots, as well as nonperishable food items.

After shopping, participants take part in gift wrapping, photos, and a shared meal before first responders return the children home with bags of wrapped presents ready to be placed under the tree.

A Community Effort

The scale and longevity of Heroes and Helpers reflect broad community support. This year’s event was made possible through sponsorships from Blaine Festival, Target, Centennial Youth Hockey Association, Blaine Youth Hockey Association, and the Blaine Police Federation, along with contributions from private donors.

The program also relies on cooperation among multiple public safety agencies. In addition to the Blaine Police Department, participating partners often include the Spring Lake Park Blaine Mounds View Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Lino Lakes Public Safety, Centennial Lakes Police Department, and Allina Emergency Medical Services.

Now in its sixteenth year, Heroes and Helpers has become a hallmark of community oriented public safety in Blaine. Each December, it offers a reminder that the role of first responders extends beyond emergencies, reaching into moments of connection that can leave a lasting impression on young lives and the community as a whole.

MinneapoliMedia