On Tuesday, as part of their Shop with a Hero program, the Italy Police Department and the Italy Fire Department joined forces this holiday season to help keep the spirit of Christmas going strong for six deserving students from Stafford Elementary.

Both departments competed in their annual charity Guns vs. Hoses softball tournament back in the summer to help raise money for this exciting event and, most recently, collected money dropped in fire boots during the City of Italy’s recent Christmas parade.

The students are specially selected by members of Stafford’s staff and selected to represent the Tigers this shopping trip were Dixie Brady, Courtni Bland, Eden Forbus, Zoe Hogan, Jacob Phipps and Elyjah Smith.

Several officers and fireman participated including, Firefigher Chris Kimmons, Officer Mike Richardson, Officer Mike Stevens, Sergeant Shawn Martin, Corporal Daniel Pitts, Captain Jackie Cate, Officer Eric Tolliver, Officer Shelbee Landon, Police Chief Diron Hill and Fire Chief Donald Chambers.

The convoy of lights and sirens left Stafford Elementary early in the morning and later rolled into the Wal-Mart parking lot in Waxahachie. Students partnered up with Officers and Firefighters who helped track the costs of each item selected. Students were given enough money to purchase gifts for family members and for themselves.

This a good time to thank everyone in the community for supporting Shop with a Hero. It is your donations that make this event possible while allowing each child to take care of Christmas shopping needs for their families. In a way, you help these students be the hero for their own families, and we thank you for that.

After checking out and cramming their haul into any available place they could find within the emergency vehicles/Christmas sleighs, the group then returned to Italy where they met inside the community center to wrap all the gifts. City of Italy employees provided snacks and punch. The whole event wrapped up in the mid afternoon.

So whenever you see a “Shop with a Hero” donation box or fire boot, drop in a few wishes come true that will directly benefit our local students and their families, ensuring a Merry Christmas for all!

You can support the “Shop with a Hero” program by attending the 4th of July Guns vs. Hoses softball game and fireworks show or by donating anytime throughout the year at the Italy Police Department, located next to Italy City Hall. If you would like to donate your time, money, or Wal-Mart gift cards to help make a child’s Christmas special, or would like to nominate a child for next December, please contact:

Sergeant Shawn Martin at (972) 483-6414.

“Thanks everyone for your continued support of our Shop with a Cop program!” — Chief Diron Hill, I.P.D.