More than 90 local children received a holiday surprise Saturday, Dec. 13, when the Lady Lake Police Department and Fruitland Park Police Department partnered to host their annual Heroes and Helpers shopping event at the Lady Lake Target store.

Children from Lady Lake were selected with assistance from The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake and Little Blessings Daycare. Each child was paired with a police officer for a holiday shopping experience aimed at supporting families and strengthening community connections.

The Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake raised most of the funds to support the event and provided volunteers to assist during the shopping trip. Target sponsored 10 children and hosted the event in its Lady Lake store, while a donation from the Nam Knights Green Swamp Chapter allowed additional children to participate.

Fruitland Park Police conducted separate fundraising and participant selection efforts, expanding the reach of the event through a joint partnership.

“This event shows what can be accomplished when law enforcement, businesses and community organizations come together with a shared goal,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Steve Hunt. “Working alongside Fruitland Park Police and our local partners allowed us to make a real difference for these children during the holiday season.”

The collaboration between the two police departments reflects an ongoing regional partnership focused on community engagement and service beyond traditional law enforcement roles.