Every year, the Byrnes Mill Shop with a Hero program provides local children in need with Christmas gifts to lift their spirits, with the help of first responders. This year, the program gave 100 children from 35 families who live in the House Springs and High Ridge areas a boost during the holiday season, according to Byrnes Mill Police Chief Frank Selvaggio.
On Dec. 4, the children, along with a group of volunteers that included several local police officers, firefighters, paramedics and tow truck drivers, went shopping at the Walmart store in High Ridge for the Christmas gifts.
Santa Claus (Paul Aubuchon) hugs a community member who received gifts from Shop With a Hero at Spring Hills Presbyterian Church on Dec. 14.
During the shopping trip, each of the children got to spend $100 on items they wanted, with all expenses covered by donations.
On Dec. 14, the gifts were delivered during a drive-thru distribution at Spring Hills Presbyterian Church in Byrnes Mill, which helps with the event. About 20 volunteers – first responders and members of community organizations and local churches – helped with the distribution.
Along with the presents, each of the families was given a ham and food baskets so they can have a special holiday meal. Also at the event, children had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus.
It was the second year Paul Aubuchon, the man behind the red suit, dressed up as the jolly old elf and took part in the Shop with a Hero event.
“I feel very honored to be a part of this,” he said.
Shop with a Hero originally was called Shop With a Cop, a community initiative to connect local children with police officers. Five years ago, in 2019, the name was changed to its current title to show that other first responders also participate in the event, Selvaggio said.
In addition to the Byrnes Mill Police Department, the agencies that took part in this year’s Shop with a Hero effort included the High Ridge Fire Protection District, the Big River and North Jefferson County ambulance districts and Jefferson County 911 Dispatch.
Mykalia Potthoff, who has been a paramedic for the past 12 years, said she had heard about Shop With a Hero before, but only recently became involved with the charity event after joining the Big River Ambulance District more than a year ago.
“Every kid deserves a good Christmas,” she said. “It’s a great way to connect the community.”
Potthoff said she wants to be involved in next year’s program.
“I would go in on my day off to do it,” she said.
Selvaggio said community members have shared their gratitude for the program.
“I’ve had people say to me, ‘There’s no way we would have been able to afford Christmas if it weren’t for this,’” he said. “There were definitely a few tears shed.”
To donate to next year’s Shop With a Hero, checks may be made out to Spring Hills Presbyterian Church and sent to the Byrnes Mill Police Department at 141 Osage Executive Circle, Byrnes Mill, 63051.
For more information, visit the Byrnes Mill Police Department Facebook page.