Adrian, MI – More than 150 family members, community heroes, and store employees participated in the Adrian Meijer store’s annual “Shop with a Hero” event on Giving Tuesday, bringing holiday cheer to over 80 local children from Lenawee County.
Store Director Ben Negron highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “Of all the great events Meijer sponsors through the community every year, this one is truly special. It restores our spirit and highlights Meijer’s mission of giving back to the community.”
Negron was particularly effusive in his gratitude, expressing deep appreciation for his incredible team members and store leaders who work tirelessly to make the event possible. “I want to thank my amazing team at the Adrian Meijer store,” he emphasized. “Their dedication and passion are the heart of this event. Equally important are our loyal customers, whose continued support enables us to enrich the lives of community members. Each purchase, each interaction helps us create moments of joy like these, bringing hope and happiness to children who need it most.”
Each child received a $100 Meijer gift card to purchase Christmas gifts, accompanied by local heroes including:
– Adrian Police Officers
– Adrian Fire Department and EMS
– Local Teachers
– Lincoln School Principal Tiffany Yahtzek
– Amber and Dan Pena from Adrian Public Schools
– Adrian College and Siena Heights University Members
– Dionne Bowens and the Lenawee County Court Probationary Department Staff
– Superintendent Nate Parker
– Adrian City Commissioner Bob Behnke
– State Representative Nancy Jenkins Arno
– University Presidents and Executive Officers
– Dr. Douglas Palmer of Siena Heights University
– Dr. Jeffery Docking of Adrian College
Wacker Chemical donated over $2,000 to support the event for the third consecutive year. This year’s event also honored former Lenawee County Sheriff Jack Welch, who was invited as a hero in recognition of the sheriff’s department’s long-standing support of the program.
“We are elated that heroes from every walk of life in our community came together to shop with Lenawee County school children,” Negron added. “Without the incredible work done year after year by Chris Howard and his team, we could not have made this possible.”
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*media courtesy of the Adrian Meijer Store. Featured image is Adrian Meijer Store Director Ben Negron and Juvenile Probation Officer Kirstin Sarabia getting ready to head over to the toy section at the Adrian Meijer.*