Novi Celebrates Community Spirit at Annual Shop with a Hero Event

Novi Shines Bright with Annual “Shop with a Hero” Event

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Novi came together on Dec. 14 to celebrate the annual “Shop with a Hero” event, where local police and firefighters took time off their busy schedules to help underprivileged youth shop for clothing and essential items at Kohl’s. The day was filled with laughter, joy, and the magic of the holiday season as officers and firefighters bonded with young shoppers from the Novi Youth Assistance program.

Creating Connections

This year, 14 children were paired with 10 police officers and 4 firefighters, making for an unforgettable shopping experience. These young participants were selected through nominations from their schools or were identified by the Novi Youth Assistance program as kids who would truly benefit from the opportunity to shop for themselves.

Sabrina Matsil, a dedicated caseworker at Novi Youth Assistance, shed light on the importance of the event. “I think there is maybe a little misconception here in Novi that there aren’t many families in need, but there definitely are. We get calls every week from families needing support for emergency housing situations or bills,” she shared. “This event helps alleviate some of that pressure.”

Joy in Every Purchase

As the shopping began, each child received a budget of $300 to spend on clothes, shoes, and basic necessities. Sophia Rowland, 13, couldn’t contain her excitement, exclaiming, “I can get everything I want! They gave me money. That’s what I like!” It was evident that for many children, this was a rare opportunity to pick out clothes they truly liked and felt proud to wear.

The event wasn’t just about shopping; it was about building relationships. Many officers participated on their days off, looking to connect with the community they serve. Officer Reed Ladd, who had just finished a night shift, expressed, “It’s good to see things in a different light. Everybody’s happy to see us today!” This sentiment was echoed by firefighter Anthony Tocut, who said, “This is a chance to connect with the community and help out. And I love shopping!”

Turning Perceptions Around

For some children, like Autumn, shopping with a police officer was a life-changing experience. Previously hesitant about police due to negative encounters, she found comfort in a one-on-one interaction that helped change her perspective. “I think shopping independently gives them some confidence,” Matsil noted, highlighting how reducing stigma around police is an essential part of the event.

As smiles lit up the store, moments like seeing Gio Clavenna, 9, proudly hold a small box of Crumbl Cookies while shopping with firefighter Matt Osborne showcased the joy this event brought to everyone involved.

Community Support Matters

The event relies heavily on funds from the Novi Police and Fire Benevolent Association, and community support is vital. “It’s so fun to see the kids get everything their heart desires,” said Kohl’s store manager Amanda Wagenmaker. “It’s a pleasure to see first responders building positive relationships within the community.”

With many participants spending beyond their budgets, officers like Officer Jessica Meyer often stepped in to cover the difference out of their own pockets. “It’s not that much money. It makes me feel good. It makes them happy,” she explained after assisting a child in selecting a few extra items.

An Invitation to Help

The joy shared during the “Shop with a Hero” event underscores the ongoing need for community support. Novi Youth Assistance encourages anyone who knows a family in need to reach out for help or to get involved. For more information on how you can assist or nominate families for support, visit NoviYA.org.

As the event wrapped up, officers and firefighters, along with their young companions, left Kohl’s with not only bags of new clothes but also a sense of connection and community, proving that together, they can make a difference—one shopping trip at a time.