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"One of the most important things they do is protect these children and make sure the community is safe. It helps with the family's needs, but it's also a positive interaction with the heroes." "Sometimes that is a good positive thing for the kids, even more than getting gifts for their family. "We've found in our interaction with the schools that it's not always about the gifts themselves it's about their involvement with the heroes," said McDaniels. After checking out, the kids could get their presents wrapped by members of the Ionia High School National Honor Society. Each child received a $100 gift card to spend on themselves and their families, and their hero helped them keep track of their spending. Then everyone enjoyed a sandwich lunch in the Meijer cafeteria before pairing up to pick out holiday gifts together. The heroes and the children braved a cold brisk wind to pose for photos out in front of the store with an assortment of emergency vehicles. The schools have a variety of programs to help families in need, said McDaniels, so they "fit the kids in the program that is best for them." The children who participated in the event were selected by their elementary and middle school principals and social workers. They get a few hours out of the day when they can show their emotions - for the kids and for the community." At this time of year it's stressful for everybody, and this is a time the staff can decompress. "Every child had a smile on their face, and the officers, too. "Law enforcement, corrections, fire, ambulance, dispatch - all those came together to give back to the children, who are the building blocks of our community," Miller said. Sheriff Dale Miller called it "fantastic" that so many emergency services personnel stepped up to participate in the event. "They were all very enthusiastic about being able to connect with the kids," she said. This year's heroes came from the Ionia County Sheriff's Office and the Sheriff's Posse, Michigan State Police, Ionia Department of Public Safety, Belding Police Department, Lake Odessa Police Department, Portland Police Department, Michigan Department of Corrections, Berlin-Orange Fire Department, Lyons-Muir Fire Department, Sunfield Fire Department, Ionia County Central Dispatch and Life EMS Ambulance, said ICSO Office Manager Suana McDaniels, who coordinated with the agencies to line up volunteers. "What great support from the local community to be so willing to participate in 'Shop with a Hero.' We couldn't do it without them." "We secure the funding, and they take it from there," said Scott Flanagan, store manager of the Ionia Meijer.
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Ambulance services bring patients home for the holidays