Heroes and Helpers enjoy shopping spree – The Garden Island

LIHUE — The U.S. Coast Guard was one of the true heroes on Wednesday during the 2024 Target Heroes and Helpers shopping spree for 75 selected children.

“This is the first time we have had the USCG participate,” said Karla Huerta of the Children’s Justice Center. “And, through the coordination of Jakob Arnold, they had 13 guardspeople helping.”

Earlier in the day, the USCG responded to reports of a capsized boat outside Nawiliwili Harbor, and rescued four adults.

The Target Heroes and Helpers is a collaborative effort to provide children from six different programs an opportunity to shop for the holidays with the help of first responders. This year, that included representatives from the Kauai Police Department, including Deputy Chief Mark Ozaki, the Kauai Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and more.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” said Ozaki. “I’ve been helping shoppers from the time this program was known as ‘Shop With A Cop.’ It is so fun.”

Met by the Target mascot Bull’s Eye as well as Santa, each shopper was given a $100 gift card to shop with. Following the spree through the store’s aisles, the shoppers were treated to a pizza and beverage before leaving.