La VERGNE, TN - The holiday spirit is on full display in the northern end of Rutherford County as the city La Vergne continues a holiday traditions. Last Friday (12/19/2025) it was La Vergne's annual Shop with A Hero program. The event once again paired local children with La Vergne police officers, firefighters, and city staff for an afternoon centered on connection, generosity, and the simple joy of picking out Christmas gifts with someone who cares.

The city-sponsored program brought together 28 children, their parents or guardians, and members of the La Vergne Police Department and La Vergne Fire & Rescue. Each child received a $175 budget to shop for Christmas presents, but the heart of the day was the time spent building relationships and creating memories that will last far beyond the holiday season.

The afternoon kicked off at the City’s Multipurpose Building, where families and first responders gathered for a warm meal and easy conversation. Santa Claus made his grand entrance, and even the Grinch showed up—though he didn’t stay grumpy for long. Their appearances helped set a cheerful tone before everyone headed out for the shopping adventure.

Walmart welcomed the group by dedicating its lawn and garden checkout area exclusively to Shop with A Hero participants. The setup created a calm, supportive space where children could browse the aisles with their assigned hero, choosing toys, games, clothes, and other treasures. The excitement was unmistakable. Kids beamed as they made their selections, and their enthusiasm was so contagious that even the Grinch cracked a smile while chatting with a young shopper.

Police Chief Christopher Moews said the event is meaningful for officers as well as families, noting that connecting with the community outside of emergency calls is essential. He added that seeing the joy on the children’s faces is a powerful reminder of why the program matters.

The meal and fellowship were made possible by Mission Barbecue, Ascend Federal Credit Union, and Blue Bell Creameries. Liz Craft, branch manager of the La Vergne Ascend branch, said the best part was seeing the kids’ smiles.

Year after year, Shop with A Hero reflects La Vergne’s commitment to supporting families and strengthening bonds between residents and public safety teams.