Members of the Hawaiʻi National Guard joined first responders in spreading holiday cheer during the 9th annual Heroes and Helpers event, held Dec. 6, 2025, at the Target store in Hilo. The community-focused initiative provided 50 disadvantaged keiki with a festive shopping experience while strengthening positive relationships between youth, service members and first responders.
“The Guardsmen from the 1st Squadron, 299th Cavalry Regiment were there early and the keiki were excited to see them,” said Maj. Ryan Caday, a Judge Advocate General in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.
Modeled after the “Shop with a Cop” program, Heroes and Helpers pairs children with uniformed heroes for a one-on-one shopping spree designed to build trust and connection. Guardsmen volunteered alongside the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources, National Park Service rangers and other agencies, helping keiki select gifts for themselves and their families.
Each child received a $125 Target gift card, made possible through donations and support from Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Target and community partners. Guardsmen and other first responders guided the children through the store, sharing conversations, encouragement and laughter along the way. After shopping, volunteers wrapped gifts to prepare them for Christmas and the keiki were treated to snacks and hot chocolate to end the day.
“Most of these families are low-income, and some could barely afford the gas to participate,” said Caday. “There were times when the first thing keiki would buy were simple things like toilet paper, soap, and detergent. It’s a heartbreaking lesson in gratitude for everyone.”
For Guardsmen participation in Heroes and Helpers reflects the Guard’s enduring commitment to community service. By standing shoulder to shoulder with first responders, nonprofit organizations and local businesses, Guardsmen helped ensure that Hilo keiki experienced not only holiday joy, but the care and support of the broader community.
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