“We heard from many families that they feel like this event is hugely impactful for their holiday, because otherwise they wouldn't have the resources to give their children the kind of Christmas they would want to,” communications specialist Kat Farroni-Roach said.
A growing legacy of giving back
The city introduced Shop with a Cop in 1999, initially benefiting just 25 children. In 2020, they expanded the program to include all first responders and rebranded it as Holiday Heroes. Now, city staff serve close to 200 children annually through this event. This growth is fueled by the generosity of the Tomball community, with thousands of dollars raised to support the event. Each child receives $300 to spend on gifts, clothes, shoes or other needs, making a tangible difference in their lives.
“We work with Tomball ISD,” Captain Shon Davis said. “Their faculty and staff identified the families in need. They understand each child's situation and hardship, allowing us to collaborate with them to support the right people during the holidays.”
This collaborative effort not only provides much needed support to families but also strengthens the bonds between first responders and the community they serve.
A memorable day for all
This year’s event, held on Dec. 7, began at St. Anne Catholic Church where children boarded emergency vehicles and headed to Walmart for a shopping trip. Nine-year-old Raegan Larsen was among the participants who experienced the magic firsthand.
Raegan said her favorite moment wasn’t just shopping for her My Life doll and accessories; it was spending time with her chosen Holiday Heroes, paramedics Lex and Val. Raegan, who dreams of joining the Air Force someday, has a special connection to medical services.
“Her two grandmothers were in the medical field,” Farroni-Roach said. “One worked as a CNA and the other as a hospice nurse, so getting to spend the day with paramedics was very important to her.”
Raegan’s brother participated in the 2018 Shop with a Cop, using part of his shopping money to buy Raegan a dress for Christmas. Raegen’s participation in this year’s event not only strengthened her family’s ongoing connection with the program but also created new memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Looking ahead and getting involved
While the city is proud of the program’s growth, future expansion will depend on logistics and community support. The city also hopes to engage more young families moving into Tomball, encouraging them to join the tradition of giving back.
Holiday Heroes is just one of many ways the city fosters community engagement throughout the year. From Coffee with a Cop to blood drives, Tomball’s first responders work tirelessly to build trust and connection with residents.
“Coffee with a Cop provides community members the chance to enjoy a casual conversation with officers over coffee,” Davis said. “We wanted to break the stigma of police being unapproachable, creating a welcoming environment to foster open communication between Tomball PD and our residents.”
The city also offers the Community Emergency Response Training, managed by the Fire Department. “This program teaches community members first responder techniques, enabling them to encourage and empower others during emergencies,” Davis said.
For more details on how to get involved or support future events, visit the City of Tomball’s website or follow their social media pages.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
