By Judy Cannon for the Redlands Community News Eleven years ago, the Community Policing Unit of the Redlands Police Department and some local businesses and citizens conceived of a program where economically disadvantaged kids would get to “Shop with a Cop” before Christmas for items for themselves and others. That first year, a couple dozen young people from grades K through 12 paired up with police officers to go shopping with $100 gift cards donated by the Target Corporation and further funded by some donations from the community. Target has continued making generous donations each year, along with dozens of local businesses, service clubs, and individuals, allowing even more children to participate. Since 2017 the funds have been collected and administered by the Redlands Police Community Foundation (RPCF), a group of local citizens whose goal is to support community policing events such as this one. In 2021, the shopping spree grew to include Visa gift cards that could be spent not only at Target, but in any of the Citrus Plaza and Mountain View stores the shoppers were willing to walk to. This year, 120 young people took part in what has been renamed the Heroes and Helpers event, which took place Dec. 18. Each had either a $150 Target gift card or a $150 Visa gift card to spend not only at Target, but in any of the Citrus Plaza and Mountain View stores they were willing to walk to. According to Gail Howard, one of the founding citizens who is a significant fundraiser for the event, well over $200,000 has been raised over the years. While all age groups are represented, the focus is on middle school students and high school students “because there are so many people who want to help the little ones, and the older ones get left out” she pointed out. “Next year,” said Howard, “the goal is to raise at least $200 per kid. Everything is getting more expensive.” Chris Martin, vice president of RPCF, said, “It is touching to see that many of the shoppers purchase toys for siblings or household items for a parent. It is not just about themselves.” Schools in the Redlands school district can nominate students who not only have financial need, but who have displayed good citizenship or excelled in some way. Local non-profit organizations such as churches and charities like YouthHope and Hannah’s House also nominate students. According to community policing Officer Eddie Herrera, who chaired this year’s event, Monday’s “heroes and helpers” included 30 police officers as well as staff and volunteers, 50 San Bernardino county probation officers and members of the school district’s campus security team. “The officers all look forward to this event. They enjoy the opportunity to interact with the children in this environment,” Herrera said. Officials were also in attendance to support the event, including Mayor Eddie Tejeda, Mayor Pro Tem Paul Barich, City Manager Charlie Duggan and Councilmembers Mario Saucedo and Denise Davis. Majestic Realty created a set-up for photos with Santa and provided hot chocolate and assisted in getting several stores to provide discounts to the kids. Chief Rachel Tolber felt that it was an important event. “Events like Heroes and Helpers are a way for us to build strong ties between the Police Department and the community we serve,” Tolber said. “Working together with our community partners, we strengthen our relationships with community, reinforce our positive relationships with the youth of Redlands and spread holiday cheer. We are thankful for the support of so many community partners and the RPCF for ensuring this event is successful every year.” Even The Grinch, who was also in attendance and was a major draw for photos with shoppers, seemed to agree.
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