Carmel, Ind.-based Shamrock Self Storage has agreed to be the primary sponsor for “Holidays with Heroes,” an inaugural event spearheaded by the Carmel Police Department (CPD), to help financially struggling families with gifts this holiday season. The company has pledged to donate $100 from each tenant lease signed during September and October. Bruce Sklare, director of management and operations for Shamrock, presented a $4,100 check to the program on Oct. 2 and will provide a second check for October rentals in November, according to the source.

The CPD event will be held on Dec. 7, pairing officers with a child in need. The day will begin with a hot breakfast, followed by a shopping trip to a Meijer retail outlet to buy coats, clothes and toys, according to Sgt. Nancy Zellers, the CPD program coordinator and member of the department’s growth and wellness-development program. After shopping, participants will return from to the police department to wrap presents while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. Each child will go home with wrapped gifts and a holiday stocking, the source reported.

Sixty-eight children from more than 30 families are expected to participate. The CPD fundraising goal is $17,000. As of Oct. 2, it had raised $5,898, according to Lt. James Semester. The department is hopeful the program will become an annual event. In addition to support from Shamrock, the program has received assistance from the Carmel Youth Assistance Program and Meijer Inc. Donations will be used to help pay for gift cards, breakfast items, refreshments and stocking stuffers.

Three local schools earlier held a logo-design contest for the program. Ankita Dey from Creekside Middle School earned $100 for the winning logo, according to the source.

Shamrock operates two self-storage facilities in Carmel. Property amenities include 24-hour access, temperature-controlled units and video surveillance. The locations also offer complimentary bottled water, free use of flatbed carts and a retail center for moving and packing supplies.

Sources:
Current, Carmel Police Dept. Launches Holidays With Heroes Program
Shamrock Self Storage, Website