The Nashua Police Department helped make the holidays a little brighter for families in need.Officers joined kids at the Nashua Target on Saturday morning to find gifts to put under the tree during Shop with a Cop. After receiving $200 and pairing up with dozens of police officers, 21 young participants filled the aisles of the store to finish their seasonal shopping.Every year, the NPD partners with the Nashua School District and local outreach programs, selecting kids from families struggling financially to help ease the burden of the holiday season."They're really thinking outside of themselves, which is the nature of this event," said police officer Ben Stusse. "It's to really reach out and think beyond yourself and help your family."The Shop with a Cop event started 15 years ago through the efforts of the Nashua Police Patrolman's Association. Now, the NPD estimates more than 40 families will be impacted by this year's group, with up to $8,000 spent solely on the kids attending. While they are encouraged to purchase gifts for family members, participants can also buy for themselves if they wish.Officers say they see Shop with a Cop as a chance to both give back and connect with younger members of the community, with plenty of enthusiasm from both kids and the officers alike."As excited as the kids are about this, it's actually exciting to watch the officers get even more excited," Stusse said with a laugh. "This is one of those positive interactions that we really strive to have."The event is run entirely off donations, and officers say they want to continue to grow it in the future. Residents can reach out to the NPD directly if they want to donate to next year's event.
The Nashua Police Department helped make the holidays a little brighter for families in need.
Officers joined kids at the Nashua Target on Saturday morning to find gifts to put under the tree during Shop with a Cop. After receiving $200 and pairing up with dozens of police officers, 21 young participants filled the aisles of the store to finish their seasonal shopping.
Every year, the NPD partners with the Nashua School District and local outreach programs, selecting kids from families struggling financially to help ease the burden of the holiday season.
"They're really thinking outside of themselves, which is the nature of this event," said police officer Ben Stusse. "It's to really reach out and think beyond yourself and help your family."
The Shop with a Cop event started 15 years ago through the efforts of the Nashua Police Patrolman's Association. Now, the NPD estimates more than 40 families will be impacted by this year's group, with up to $8,000 spent solely on the kids attending. While they are encouraged to purchase gifts for family members, participants can also buy for themselves if they wish.
Officers say they see Shop with a Cop as a chance to both give back and connect with younger members of the community, with plenty of enthusiasm from both kids and the officers alike.
"As excited as the kids are about this, it's actually exciting to watch the officers get even more excited," Stusse said with a laugh. "This is one of those positive interactions that we really strive to have."
The event is run entirely off donations, and officers say they want to continue to grow it in the future. Residents can reach out to the NPD directly if they want to donate to next year's event.