Members of Saint Peter High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society helped area law enforcement/emergency services personnel, including St. Peter Police Department and Fire Department members, during the fifth annual Shop With a Hero event. The event took place on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Fleet Farm store in Mankato.
The Heroes were able to take 23 area children Christmas shopping, thanks to donations from the Minnesota South Central Investigator's Coalition, Helping Minnesota Heroes, the Lions Club, Fleet Farm, as well as charitable gambling from The Red Men Club, The Flame Bar, The Embassy Bar, and the Blue Moon. Dunkin' Donuts provided coffee and donuts and Minnesota River Valley Transit provided transportation for several families.
“The event could not have been done without the help from the National Honor Society members,” Saint Peter Public Schools’ School Resource Officer Jon Hughes, who helps organize the local volunteer effort, said. “This event brings multiple groups together to bring joy to families during the holiday season. ”
“This is a great opportunity for our National Honor Society students to help give back to the community while working with the local Police and Fire Department,” Regina Sirianni, SPHS School Counselor and NHS advisor, said. “Students remember this being one of their favorite volunteer experiences of the year.”
This year's Heroes represented the Saint Peter Police Department, North Mankato Police Department, Nicollet County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Saint Peter Fire Department, North Mankato Fire Department, River's Edge EMS staffed by Allina, and the American Legion.
