A local governmental entity is reaching out to help the less fortunate of the community.

The Clinton Fire Department applied for a grant from the Wal Mart Foundation for $1000 to take kids from the DeWitt County Angel Tree program out shopping tonight. Engineer Blake West with the Clinton Fire Department says the department applied for $1000 and the Foundation awarded them with $2000 to take 15 kids shopping.

[audio:firegrant1.mp3]A Word From West[/audio]

The Clinton Police Department applied for the same grant through the Wal Mart Foundation and has implemented their annual "Shop With A Cop" program. West explains he hopes the Fire Department can make this an annual event as well.

[audio:firegrant2.mp3]A Word From West[/audio]

West says the grant money is going to get kids of the Angel Tree program some nice Christmas gifts and if the kids are in need of anything else, that as well. He hopes taking the kids shopping makes for a good Christmas for them.

[audio:firegrant3.mp3]A Word From West[/audio]

Wal Mart has been a community supporter through various means, especially with the law enforcement of Clinton for many years. West appreciates their support and looks forward to working with them again in the future.