Firefighters, law enforcement take kids on annual Christmas shopping trips

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Area firefighters and police officers will help kids get ready for the holidays by taking them shopping Saturday.

There are 43 kids going shopping as part of the Indianapolis Fire Department’s Clothe-a-Child Program. The day started with firefighters cooking breakfast for the kids at the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Union Hall. The kids then hopped on buses to shop at Sears at Castleton Square Mall. Each firefighter is assigned to a child and they help them shop for a coat, clothes and shoes.

Many firefighters have their spouses and kids help the kids shop, too. They spend approximately $10,000 on all of the kids.

Area police and sheriff’s departments are also hosting similar events Saturday.

The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police is holding its annual Shop with a Cop event for more than 200 kids. The event will take place at the Southport Meijer. Police officers from multiple agencies will take the kids shopping for winter clothes and a toy, and they’ll also get to visit Santa and have some lunch.

This year’s theme is “Paying it Forward — the Power of Unity” so the officers and the kids will be taking a canned food item to support the David S. Moore Food Pantry in honor of fallen officers.

IMPD Officer David Moore was shot while on duty in January 2011. He died three days later.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department will also be having its Shop for Kids event Saturday. They will be taking approximately 40 kids to the Target in Fishers. Each child will receive $130 to spend on gifts for themselves and their families.