After getting a protection order six months ago to keep an ex-boyfriend away from her and her five children, Trinh Thi Tuyet of Waterville has supported them alone.

With her children’s future uncertain, one thing of which she said she was sure was that they would have to do without gifts this holiday season.

She was wrong.

She and four of her five children were among beneficiaries of an annual Shop With a Hero holiday event in Maumee, during which each of about 40 qualified northwest Ohio children was matched with a first responder from an area law enforcement agency or fire department.

Each participating child got to spend $125 on gifts for themselves and family members while shopping at the Maumee Meijer store, the event’s main sponsor. Each was assisted by an area first responder. H

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