KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A group of Wyandotte County children received an early Christmas present in a year that has otherwise been filled with more lows than highs.
The sheriff and district attorney offices sponsored their annual "Heroes and Helpers" event. Tuesday, they gave ten children a $100 gift card, then paired them up with deputies and prosecutors for a shopping spree at the Target near The Legends.
Each child selected for the event was a victim of a crime this year. The deputies are the helpers and the children are the heroes.
The shopping spree is a chance to put a smile on the faces of the kids. Beyond the material items, partnering deputies with children allows them to build a positive relationship.
"I've always used to be afraid of cops, honestly," admitted 17-year-old Jasmine Dryer. "They're really friendly and they're just nice."
The deputies said changing those perceptions is the best part of the event.
"This is a fun time for us, a time for us to get together and build self-esteem for these kids and have an enjoyable time shopping with them," added Maj. Kelli Bailiff with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office.
This is the fifth year the agencies have organized the event.
