GREENWOOD — Thanks to the efforts of both Helping Hands For Freedom and the Trooper Bartram Memorial Foundation, 140-plus central Indiana children got to experience Christmas early Saturday, Dec. 5, during the annual Christmas for Kids event.
The event partners children with law enforcement officials and soldiers for a shopping spree.
Helping Hands For Freedom CEO Darin Fishburn said the event aims at bridging the gap between the community and first responders.
“Seeing the uniforms up close helps them realize that there are real people that are there for them,” Fishburn said.
Fairland resident Patrick Shannon, co-founder of Helping Hands For Freedom, which provides assistance to military families dealing with death, deployment and loss, echoed those sentiments.
“It’s great to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they’re picking out their presents. Over 100 kids we were able to help and what a great partnership between Helping Hands For Freedom and the Trooper Bartram Memorial Foundation,” said Shannon.
Fishburn said the event means a lot to him.
“Knowing that you can make a difference and change the perception one child at a time is what this event is all about,” Fishburn said.
The Trooper Bartram Memorial Foundation honors Indiana State Police Senior Trooper James Patrick Bartram, who died on March 31, 1998, in the line of duty.
Helping Hands for Freedom is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports military children & families facing injury, loss, and multiple deployments. You can learn more about us at www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org