Wayne County Raises $12,500 for Holiday Shopping Event Supporting 60 Children

Wayne County collected $12,500 for "Shop With A Hero." Sixty kids will benefit.

The event happens Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at Walmart. Restaurants gave part of their sales to make it work, and that money lets kids who wouldn't get presents take shopping trips without paying.

Officers will accompany the kids. Police from Monticello, firefighters from Monticello and Susie, as well as Wayne County EMS volunteers, will walk through the store with them. Kids pick presents for themselves and their families.

Cherre Jones owns Subway and handed a check to Major Josh Asberry. McDonald's of Monticello pitched in too.

Brian Ball manages McDonald's of Monticello and showed up at the presentation. Assistant manager Santana Brumley came with him. Owners Bethany and Randy Baird attended along with area supervisor Chris Coffey.

Monticello Police thanked everyone who helped. "Your kindness provides local children—who might not otherwise experience the joy of Christmas—an opportunity to enjoy a free shopping trip at Walmart, filled with laughter, excitement, and holiday magic," the department said in a statement posted to Facebook, which is now unavailable.

First responders call it one of the best days all year. "It's one of the most meaningful days of the year for all of us, and it's made possible because of you," according to the statement from MPD.

Dec. 19 is when kids will shop at Walmart. Multiple restaurants around town donated money from their registers to fund the program.

This tradition has endured for years. Emergency workers get another chance to spend time with young people during the holidays, and the kids leave with arms full of wrapped boxes.