DOVER — Sometimes, even the police need rescuing.

Such was the case for the Dover Police Department’s Third Annual Holiday Heroes which was at risk of not happening after private donations declined.

It will happen Wednesday after several businesses and organizations stepped up to help.

With the help of several businesses and organizations it will be the largest Christmas trip in the history of Holiday Heroes, according to the police department.

In all, 24 local children will be paired with a police officer at Target for fun, bonding and getting the Christmas they might not have had otherwise.

This year, Dover Police partnered with Communities in Schools and the Capital School District to identify children in need.

The department secured nearly $5,000 in donations. It raised almost $1,500 through online and personal fundraising efforts, with the other donations coming from the following businesses and organizations:

• $500: Teal Construction.

• $1,000: Winner Auto Group.

• $1,500: It’s all Good in Delaware.

• $1,500: Communites in Schools.

In addition, radio promotion was donated by Eagle 97.7’s “Petch and Amy in the Morning.”

Holiday Heroes will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.