(December 8, 2022) Egg Harbor Township – On December 3, 2022, agencies representing heroes from 23 Atlantic and Ocean County law enforcement agencies, members of the US Air Force 177th Fighter Wing and members from the Pleasantville and Egg Harbor Township Fire Departments shopped with 104 kids from throughout South Jersey in the 12th Annual Holiday with Hero’s, Shop with a Hero event organized by PAL. The HEROS arrived at 8 a.m. ready to spread some Christmas cheer. This year’s event, as always, kicked off at the Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township & Atlantic County Buddy’s Discovery Center located at 2542 Ridge Avenue in Eg g Harbor Township.
Over 60 civilian volunteers and 123 heroes arrived early to assist and serve breakfast to the 104 kids in attendance. After breakfast, kids met with the HERO they would be shopping with, took a group photo, boarded buses to be part of the 4.1 mile parade of vehicles to the Walmart in Mays Landing. The parade is often mentioned by kids at their favorite part of the event.
“The past couple of years were different due to COVID-19 but we are very happy to be back to normal this year.” said Hector Tavarez, PAL Executive Director and Founder. “The event ran flawlessly, even with the rain, due to the advance work of PAL staff, First Tech Challenge robotics team, volunteers, Mays Landing Walmart and all of our heroes.
The kids love having breakfast, meeting the Chick-fil-A cow, collecting police trading cards, being in the parade, and of course, shopping with a hero. We are extremely grateful to all our staff , our army of volunteers and those who donated. This year, we even received a donation to sponsor a child from a 17 year-old high school senior. It is inspiring!”
This was the 12th Annual Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township & Atlantic County, HOLIDAYS with HEROES, Shop with a Hero in our area. HOLIDAYS with HEROES, Shop with a Hero is a one-day event where first responders, military, law enforcement personnel, members of our First Tech Challenge Robotics team 7149 and volunteers assist children with their holiday shopping, free of charge to the children and their families.
“HOLIDAYS with HEROES, Shop with a Hero is not just about taking the children shopping. It is about making them feel loved and cared for while creating memories and a bond with local heroes that will last a lifetime for many deserving children in our area”, said PAL Chairman of the Board Bob Ortiz.
The Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County would like to thank all of the police officers, airmen, volunteers, members of our First Tech Challenge Robotics team 7149 and donors for making this day a special event. Special thanks go to CDW, Chick-fil-A Fire Rd, Chick-fil-A EHT, Dunkin Donuts, HardRock, Home Depot, Island Grill, OceanFirst Foundation, Ocean Casino Resort, Vince Polistina and Associates, Walmart of Egg Harbor Twp, Walmart Mays Landing staff and management, and all of our generous sponsors. A special thank you to all of our Hero agencies that helped raise a bulk of our needed funding.
About Police Activities League Egg Harbor Township & Atlantic County: Established in 1989 is an Award-winning youth organization with services for kids from 1st grade – 12th grade, including before and after care, summer camp, S.T.E.M. workshops, motorcycle and ATV trails, laser tag and world caliber robotics teams. Go to EHTPAL.org for more info. Now, more than ever, every kid and every hero needs a PAL!
Photos by Michelle Stella
