By: Richard L. Smith
The streets of downtown Newark were alive with holiday joy this past weekend as 250 local schoolchildren joined community heroes for a day of festive shopping.
The 4th Annual “Shop with a Hero” event, organized by the United Community Corporation (UCC) in partnership with the City of Newark and the Devils Youth Foundation, has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, uniting children with those who serve their community.
According to information released by UCC, this heartwarming event took place at the Prudential Center, where local youth paired up with police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, EMTs, educators, and community leaders.
Each child received a $100 gift card to purchase holiday presents, turning an ordinary shopping trip into a day of mentorship, connection, and joy.
“This year’s *Shop with a Hero* demonstrated the incredible impact we can make when a community unites with a shared purpose,” said Craig Mainor, UCC’s Executive Director.
“Watching children beam with excitement as they shopped alongside our local heroes was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating meaningful connections.”
The annual event has a broader purpose beyond shopping—it provides opportunities for positive mentorship and inspires young participants. “Shop with a Hero goes beyond giving gifts. It nurtures the potential of the children in our community,” said Alena Minatee, UCC’s Director of Community Engagement.
“This initiative not only helps create joyful memories for our youth, but it also supports and inspires children to see the impact they can make in their community when spending the day with a local hero.”
Since its inception in 2021, Shop with a Hero has significantly expanded.
The first event, held at Newark City Hall, hosted 100 children. This year, thanks to UCC’s collaboration with the Devils Youth Foundation, the event returned to the Prudential Center, offering a larger space and more festive experiences for families and heroes alike.
For many children, the experience was about more than just receiving—it was about connecting with role models and creating memories that will last well beyond the holidays.
The public servants, too, left the event uplifted, reminded of the profound impact simple acts of kindness can have on the community.
As Newark continues to embrace this annual tradition, Shop with a Hero serves as a testament to the power of unity and compassion.
This initiative brings people together to celebrate the season in a way that embodies the very spirit of giving.