HOUGHTON LAKE – The Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Post was recognized today during an awards ceremony in Lansing as they received the Community Policing Outstanding Achievement Award Honorable Mention. Like most of the MSP Posts throughout the state, the Houghton Lake Post holds events that support low-income families who would otherwise be unable to purchase Christmas
gifts.
Last year marked the 21st anniversary of the “Shop with a Hero” program at the Houghton Lake Post. In that time, post personnel have raised more than $100,000, serving over 1,100 children.
This program is a community partnership with local businesses and service organizations. Over the years,they have had support from Walmart and Subway, as well as the Kiwanis, Rotary, and U-A-W clubs. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the area sheriff’s office, local policedepartments, EMS partners, and fire departments remain very involved too.
The troopers stay with the children throughout the “Shop with a Hero” events of the night, including Christmas carols led by an MSP sergeant, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a five-mile lighted and escorted bus ride to Walmart where the kids get to shop, wrap gifts, and eat dinner at Subway with their “hero.”
