The aisles of Walmart in Sedalia were filled with Christmas spirit on Saturday, Dec. 6, as more than 360 local children took part in this year’s Kids Shopping with Heroes event, formerly known as Shop With Cops.
Through the generosity of the community, more than $36,000 was raised, ensuring that over 360 children were able to enjoy a Merry Christmas this year. What began nearly two decades ago has grown into one of Pettis County’s strongest holiday traditions, uniting first responders, local families, and businesses to brighten the season for children in need.
Larry Klein, now with the W-K family of dealerships, has been involved in the program since its earliest days at Williams-Woody Nissan 18 years ago. When Klein joined W-K, the dealership embraced the mission immediately, recognizing how deeply it aligned with their commitment to supporting local families.
“With W-K’s values and the support of our team, we’ve been able to help the program grow year after year,” Klein said.
Today, Kids Shopping with Heroes reflects the participation of all area first responders. Volunteers came from the Sedalia Police Department, Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Sedalia Fire Department, Pettis County Fire, local EMTs, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, walking alongside children as they selected Christmas gifts.
“It’s not just police officers,” Klein said. “It’s firefighters, EMTs, deputies, highway patrol… all of them stepping in to make sure these kids feel supported and seen. They’re all heroes in this community.”
The event is funded entirely through donations from individuals, businesses, civic groups, and generous community supporters who respond each year to calls for help.
Kyle Weymuth, owner of W-K, emphasized that the dealership plays a supporting role in a much larger community effort.
“This program only comes together because of the generosity of local businesses, individuals, and all of our first responders,” Weymuth said. “Missouri Valley Community Action Agency and the Sedalia School District are also instrumental in helping match families in need with this program. We just help facilitate it… the real work happens because so many people in this community step up.”
A meaningful addition this year was the effort to ensure families left with more than just gifts. Operation Freedom Exchange and Custom Auto of Sedalia partnered to provide a complete holiday meal for every participating household as families finished shopping and headed home.
Walmart in Sedalia once again played an essential role by coordinating store logistics, offering staff support, and helping ensure the event ran smoothly for hundreds of children and their first responder partners.
Beyond the gifts and shopping, the heart of Kids Shopping with Heroes lies in the connection it builds. Firefighters helped children compare toys. Deputies pushed shopping carts beside excited kids. EMTs chatted, laughed, and shared in the joy of the day.
“It’s not just about presents,” one firefighter shared. “It’s about showing kids that we’re here for them. This community supports each other.”
Eighteen years after its beginnings, the event continues to grow in size and impact—more volunteers, more donations, and more families served each year. What remains constant is the spirit behind it: a community coming together to lift up its children during the holiday season.
Release courtesy of W-K.
