Local heroes bring Christmas Cheer to Smyrna Children

Smyrna’s police officers, firefighters and military men and women show valor on the job everyday, but Friday they were Christmas heroes to 50 elementary school students at . 

Shop with a Hero is a program that pairs an underprivileged elementary student with a public safety officer or member of the military for a day of Christmas shopping. The children, 10 from each of Smyrna’s five elementary schools, are chosen to participate in the program by their guidance counselors.

The day starts early when the kids eat breakfast at before heading to Walmart in Austell with their wish lists. Once the kids are paired with an officer they hit the racks looking for toys and clothing for themselves and their family.

Brian Marcos is a Smyrna firefighter who’s participated in the program for three years. Shop with a Hero is an event he looks forward to each holiday season.

“I just enjoy this time because we get to spend this time with the kids,” he said. “A lot of them like Erica right here just show how excited and happy she is to be able to get a few things. Being a part of that is something to be excited about and I always enjoy it every year.”

Trey Stevens, Smyrna police officer, explained that he enjoys Shop with a Hero because he can give back to the community and help kids get want they want for Christmas, but also because it teaches children to trust public safety officers.

“It’s about that time and the season of giving,” he said. “Whenever you have people in uniform (the kids) know they can definitely come to us for help. And if you ever need anything they definitely can help.”

Shop with a Hero is sponsored by the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, a non-profit with the primary goal of promoting and supporting the Smyrna Fire and Police departments and assisting in funding public safety improvements, public service awards recognition and disaster recovery support.

In years past, both the police and fire departments each held their own shopping events similar to Shop with a Hero before joining forces under the umbrella of the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation.

“This event was really the catalyst for starting the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation,'' Deputy Fire Chief Roy Acree told Smyrna-Vinings Patch at last year’s event.

Smyrna Public Safety Foundation accepts donations for Shop with a Hero throughout the year from groups like the Smyrna Business Association as well as individual donors. Those interested in donating to next year’s Shop with a Hero can visit the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation's donation page.