Wayland Police and Local Departments Hold Successful Annual ‘Shop with a Cop,’ Provide Toys to Almost 600 Children

WAYLAND — Chief Ed Burman proudly shares that the Wayland Police Department, in partnership with many other local departments, provided toys to almost 600 children during this year’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ event. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, more than 50 members of the Wayland Police Department volunteered to shop with local children at the Walmart in Framingham, spreading holiday cheer to hundreds of children in need. 

At the event, each child was given $50 to spend on toys of their choosing and were partnered with an officer while they shopped. The event provided toys to about 550 children. 

Other police departments that participated in the event include Framingham, Natick, Framingham State University, Milford, Westborough, Assumption College, Ashland, Concord, Newton, Westford, Massachusetts State Police, Bunker Hill Community College, Mass Bay Community College and more. 

The event was started in 2015 by Framingham Police and has since expanded to include several police departments across the MetroWest. This is Wayland’s third year participating in the event.

“Myself and the Wayland Police Department would like to thank our community partners, fellow law enforcement agencies and Walmart employees for helping this event run efficiently for all children and families involved,” said Chief Burman. “Their support has helped many children in need experience holiday joy this season, which is one of the greatest gifts we can ask for as officers who strive to serve our communities.”