Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Friday, May 23
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»City of Eden Prairie»Holidays with Heroes spreads joy to children and families
    City of Eden Prairie

    Holidays with Heroes spreads joy to children and families

    Stuart SudakBy Stuart SudakDecember 15, 2024Updated:December 15, 20244 Mins Read
    Participants in the Holidays with Heroes program, including Eden Prairie police officers, firefighters, and children, at Eden Prairie Center on Dec. 7. Photo courtesy of the City of Eden Prairie

    Fourteen children and their families partnered with Eden Prairie police officers and firefighters on Dec. 7 for an afternoon of holiday shopping, community connection, and seasonal joy as part of the 10th annual Holidays with Heroes event.

    The program, funded by an anonymous benefactor through the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund, is designed to brighten the holidays for local families in need while fostering relationships between first responders and the community.

    “We have an anonymous donor who gives us money every year to fund this,” said Lisa Toomey, president of the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund. “It’s the same person every year, and they’ve been incredibly generous. We couldn’t do this without them.”

    Held at Eden Prairie Center, the event paired children with seven police officers and seven firefighters, each equipped with gift cards funded by the Crime Prevention Fund. The kids could shop anywhere in the mall, with additional gift cards provided by Scheels and Cub Foods gift cards distributed to parents for groceries.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    “This year went really well,” Toomey said. “The kids shopped with officers and firefighters, and we all had a great pizza party afterward. It was really fun!”

    The pizza party, which took place in the lower level of the mall, has become a highlight of the event. “We used to have the pizza party at Davanni’s, but now we do it in the basement of the mall,” Toomey explained. “It’s much easier, more convenient, and the mall lets us use the space for free.”

    The program began as “Shop with a Cop” but was renamed Holidays with Heroes to reflect the inclusion of Eden Prairie firefighters. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of community outreach during the holiday season.

    “Every year, it’s so nice to see how much fun the kids, firefighters, and police officers have hanging out and shopping together,” Toomey said.

    Sgt. Leslie Perez, who has served with the Eden Prairie Police Department for over eight years, participated in this year’s Holidays with Heroes event and has been part of the program multiple times. She described the experience as rewarding not only for the families but also for the first responders.

    Sgt. Leslie Perez of the Eden Prairie Police Department helps a child pick out gifts during the Holidays with Heroes event on Dec. 7 at Eden Prairie Center. Photo courtesy of the City of Eden Prairie

    “For me, it’s very meaningful,” Perez said. “Many of these families may be struggling and aren’t able to provide everything they’d like for their children. Seeing the kids pick out items they truly want and enjoy is heartwarming. The families are always so grateful, and being part of something that brings that much joy is incredibly rewarding.”

    The Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund, which supports community programs beyond traditional policing, is essential to making Holidays with Heroes possible. Its other initiatives include Citizens Academy, Night to Unite, and the K-9 program.

    The fund provides officers with $50 each during the holiday season to assist individuals in need.

    “Every officer gets $50 to give out as they see fit – usually (to be used) for things like gas or groceries,” Toomey said. “They note what it’s used for so we can track the impact. This program has been running for about four or five years.”

    The Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund welcomes tax-deductible donations to continue supporting programs like Holidays with Heroes. Contributions can be mailed to 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, or made online.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEden Prairie High School named finalist in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition
    Next Article New spot, same shine: Mister Car Wash moves to fresh digs in Eden Prairie

    More to READ

    10 Mins Read

    Getting where you need to go – with less driving

    May 8, 2025
    6 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie Schools’ centennial bash wins heritage honor

    May 8, 2025
    6 Mins Read

    Where does the recycling go?

    April 30, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    How Minnesota girls changed the game

    May 22, 2025

    Nominees sought for Eden Prairie Schools Hall of Fame

    May 22, 2025

    The Minnesota Legislature never really adjourned. It just went behind closed doors

    May 22, 2025

    What’s inside GOP U.S. House’s $3.8 trillion tax and spending plan

    May 22, 2025

    ‘Fountain of Youth’ is fool’s gold

    May 22, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.