San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, 1st responders, military personnel take over 100 kids on Target shopping spree

“This is really an opportunity for us to connect with the youth in the community, and to make sure that all kids have a gift or toys to get this holiday season,” Sheriff Ken Binder said. 

Overheard in the busy aisles of the Target in Redwood City was a deputy holding the hand of a little boy saying “don’t worry, I know this Target like the back of my hand,” and another shouting “Careful! VIP coming through” as he escorted a young girl through clothing racks. 

Another, standing tall in uniform, admitted to the teenage girl he was shopping with that “well, I know nothing about lashes,” as he let her lead the way. 

The kids who were taken shopping were not random. A very intentional selection was made of kids who deputies and local law enforcement agencies have interacted with, and those that would benefit most from getting to buy whatever they want. While most are between the ages of 8 and 13, there are some exceptions. 

Many kids filled their shopping carts with clothes and toys, and most made sure to pick out something for a parent or sibling. 

“It shows really the good nature that these kids truly have,” Binder said. 

Camila Vasquez, a 17-year-old volunteer with the Sheriff’s Activities League said seeing younger kids think about their families’ needs first, before their own, is telling of how aware young ones are. 

“A lot of them want to help their families,” Vasquez said. “It’s so cute. That’s the first thing they think about, before themselves.” 

For Eleonor Arias, a 16-year-old member of the Sheriff’s Activities League who got to go on a shopping spree this year, she made sure to pick out some items for her mom. 

“She does a lot of sacrifices for me, and sometimes I don’t say thank you enough and I realize that,” Arias said. “Recently I’ve been trying to say thank you or do little gestures that I know mean a lot to her.” 

Arias was paired with Deputy James Hajik, and was able to look to him for some recommendations on what she could get her dad. The two know each other from other programs, where Arias has helped as a youth leader for Hajik at camp. Both said events like Shop with a Hero work to build a strong community. 

Angel, 11, got himself a new soccer ball and pop-up goals that he’ll “maybe” share with his little brother. He did, though, make sure to pick up some batteries he knows his little brother needs for a toy he already has at home. 

Angel was partnered with U.S. Navy Chief Alejandro Conchas, who volunteered for the event for the first time this year. Conchas said he signed up to participate because of the impact it would have on the kids. 

“I wish I had this opportunity when I was a kid,” Conchas said. “It’s a really good program to invest in.”