The Farmington Hills Police Department, along with the Farmington Hills Fire Department, the Farmington Department of Public Safety and the Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Department, hosted the annual "Heroes and Helpers" shopping event Dec. 11. Volunteers from the three cities met at the Target store on Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills, to help local children have a holiday experience to remember.

The event was funded by a $500 grant from Target and a $2,500 donation from the Farmington Hills Police Benevolent Association. This allowed 14 children to each experience a one-on-one, hour-long $200 shopping spree with a public safety officer. The event was coordinated by Farmington Youth Assistance, which also assisted in identifying and selecting the children and families.

One additional family was later identified and assisted after thieves stole the family's previously donated Christmas gifts. Public safety officials quickly worked to replace the stolen presents, which consisted of toys and books for the children, just days before Christmas.

The "Heroes and Helpers" event is sponsored annually by Target and held at local stores throughout the United States. Events are hosted in approximately 250 communities, and impact more than 15,000 children and their families. The Farmington Hills Police Department, the Farmington Hills Fire Department, the Farmington Department of Public Safety and the Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Department are proud to be a part of this annual event.

A hero and her helper shop at a local Target stores.