BELLE — With sirens blaring and engines rumbling, a convoy of semis, patrol cars, emergency vehicles and personal conveyances rolled out of Belle at 10 a.m. on July 19, escorting 4-year-old Libby Oldfather to Owensville for a day she won’t soon forget.

The event, organized by Walmart’s Heart Team, aims to give children facing serious illness or life-altering circumstances a carefree day of celebration. The volunteer-led group, made up entirely of Walmart truck drivers and supported by local law enforcement and first responders, has been organizing convoys like this for nearly 20 years.

“We try to do anything we can to get that child’s mind off of any kind of sickness they have or anything like that,” said David Manch, Heart Team Captain based in St. James. “We give them a ride in a truck, take them on a shopping spree, let them eat pizza and cake—anything to make it a special day.”

Libby was selected for the event through a local driver familiar with her story. After the convoy departed Belle, it traveled to the Owensville Walmart.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Kyle Green participated in the escort and said events like this are about more than just a ride; they offer something much more meaningful.

“It gives them an opportunity to be the center of attention for the day,” Green said. “That may not seem like a big deal to adults, but to a kid, it’s a pretty big deal. It’s their own little mini parade.”

Once at Walmart, Libby was treated to lunch, cake, and a personalized shopping spree with her family. Green emphasized how meaningful it is for law enforcement to be involved in something so uplifting.

“We see a lot of bad in this line of work, and this is one of those good things to be a part of,” he said. “Even if you don’t know the child, just showing up puts a smile on their face—and that means everything.”

Manch said the St. James Heart Team has long been one of the most active in Missouri.

“Some of the guys here have been doing this for 15 or 20 years,” he said. “Once you do one event, you get hooked.”

The Heart Team welcomes referrals from anyone who knows of a child in need. Nominations can be made by reaching out through a local Walmart or directly to one of the Heart Team drivers.

“There’s no better feeling than seeing the joy on that kid’s face,” Manch said. “That’s why we do it.”