With the holiday season in full effect, generous Upper Thumb residents are looking to spread Christmas cheer with the Shop with a Hero program, which will help over 150 area families this year.
The program, previously organized by retired Bad Axe Police Chief David Rothe, is now in the hands of event coordinator Officer Jeff Rubin. This year will see two different shopping days, with one at Walmart on Dec. 6 and one at Meijer on Dec. 14. Kids from a total of 160 families will be able to shop with a local hero, like a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an EMT or even a veteran. "Between the two days, it will be the biggest in the state," Rubin said. "Walmart and Meijer both got on board this year to help out."
While shopping, each child has an allotted amount on a gift card to shop for clothes, essentials or even a few Christmas gifts.