Kent Police, children to holiday shop at Target

Children will get a chance to buy holiday gifts for their families during the Heroes & Helpers event on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Kent’s Target store on the East Hill.

Children are paired with a Kent Police officer to help pick out gifts as part of Target’s Heroes & Helpers program.

The program, organizers said, has raised enough money through public donations – online and in the community – this year to support 50 identified and selected youth from the Birch Creek, Valli Kee and the Cascade communities. Each child, with an officer’s help, receives a $100 gift card from Kent Youth & Family Services to spend on gifts.

“Participating in this event provides the Kent Police with a great opportunity to share in a wonderful event centered on Kent youth. Just seeing these kids smile means the most,” said Kent Police spokesman Jarod Kasner in a media release.

As part of Target’s commitment to the community, it has developed extensive public safety partnerships that help support the safety and security of neighborhoods where customers and team members live and work. Target gives 5 percent of its profits – which today equals more than $3 million per week – to communities nationwide.