Lowell Police Officer Stephen Lucier helps a young shopper find items during Heroes and Helpers at Target in Lowell on Saturday morning. Volunteers from the Lowell Police Department, Lowell Fire Department, and Massachusetts State Police partnered with 100 youth from underserved communities in Lowell to go Christmas shopping at Target thanks to the generosity of Target and the Police Activities League of Massachusetts. (Courtesy Lowell Police Department) 
Lowell Police Lt. Dawn Beauchesne helps a young shopper try on a new winter coat. (Courtesy Lowell Police) 
Trooper Cliff Desrosena provides the motor for a young shopper who rides on her cart as she shops during Heroes and Helpers. (Courtesy Lowell Police) 
From left, Lowell Police Officer Anthony Yan and Officer Alex Desimone share a laugh with two young shoppers during Heroes and Helpers. (Courtesy Lowell Police) 
Lowell Police Capt. Marisol Nobrega poses with Bullseye and a young shopper during Heroes and Helpers. Target has provided over $5 million in Heroes and Helpers grants nationwide since 2009. (Courtesy Lowell Police) 
Lowell Police Lt. Gil Rojas shares a smile with a young shopper during Heroes and Helpers, which partnered first responders with 100 Lowell youth from underserved communities for Christmas shopping at Target in Lowell. (Courtesy Lowell Police) 
Lowell Firefighter Joshua Poitras partners with a young shopper during Heroes and Helpers at Target in Lowell. (Courtesy Lowell Police) 
Participants in the first round of Heroes and Helpers Christmas shopping stand together for a group photo at Target in Lowell. (Courtesy Lowell Police)
LOWELL — Superintendent Greg Hudon is pleased to report that the Lowell Police Department, the Lowell Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police volunteered Saturday with Heroes and Helpers, a program that pairs first responders with youth from underserved areas to go Christmas shopping at Target.
Target provided $2,500 in grant funding, via the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, to give 25 Lowell youth gift cards to go Christmas shopping. The Police Activities League (PAL) of Massachusetts donated an additional $7,500 to buy gift cards for 75 more youth, bringing this year’s total number of child shoppers to 100.
Lowell Police also participated in the program, also known as Shop with a Cop, last year, but shopped with 25 youth. This year, since 100 youth were involved, Lowell Police partnered with the Lowell Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police to provide even more volunteer first responders for youth to partner with. Lowell Police dispatchers and District Attorney Marian Ryan also volunteered and partnered with young shoppers.
Youth were each given a $100 gift card. They were partnered with a first responder who acted as their partner and assistant while searching for gifts. There were no restrictions, aside from no gift cards, on what kids could buy or whether they had to shop for themselves or friends and family.
The purpose of the program is to help expose youth to positive experiences with first responders, and to build relationships between first responders and youth from underserved areas.
The Greater Lowell Community Foundation joined Lowell Police in applying to be part of the program, which Target runs at stores nationwide. Target has provided over $5 million in Heroes and Helpers grants nationwide since 2009.
“This is a great program and our officers who volunteered reported having a ton of fun enjoying a positive experience with children. Too often, our first responders interact with community members on their worst of days, and not on a holiday shopping spree,” said Superintendent Hudon. “It was a pleasure for us to enjoy this experience and to form relationships with young community members.”
“PAL of MA is thrilled to expand Shop with a Cop in Lowell, bringing together first responders and youth to build positive connections, spread holiday cheer, and create lasting memories. This event is about more than gifts — it’s about connections and strengthening our community,” said PAL of Massachusetts’ Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Gleason. “We are grateful to Lowell Target and our sponsors for their support. Special heartfelt thanks to Lowell Police and Fire and the Massachusetts State Police who are generously giving their time. Together, we’re making the holidays a little brighter for local kids and their families.”
“The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is happy to partner with Lowell Police to help children in need,” said GLCF Executive Director James Linnehan Jr.
“Heroes and Helpers events like this provide an important opportunity for our Troopers to build positive relationships in the communities we live and serve,” Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said. “We express our gratitude to Superintendent Greg Hudon, the Lowell Police, and each partner organization that shares our desire to provide a meaningful experience to children and families this holiday season. I hope the presence of our Troopers and local officers inspires young people to make positive life decisions and consider a career in policing.”
About Heroes and Helpers:
Heroes & Helpers is a joint effort between Target, charity organizations and first responders. Local first responders (including police, fire or emergency medical service providers) partner with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in their neighborhood and apply for a grant from Target. Once approved, grant recipients receive $2,500 in Target GiftCards to host a holiday shopping event with children living in under-resourced areas. Events are hosted virtually or in-store, with Target team members making sure the event feels extra special for the children. To learn more, click here.
About PAL of Massachusetts
PAL is an independent nonprofit organization that was founded to address the need for improved relationships between law enforcement and their communities. For nearly 40 years, PAL has witnessed the profound benefits of creating connections between law enforcement officers and young people. Through a range of programs and opportunities, PAL aims to steer youth toward a positive and fulfilling path in life.
Looking ahead, PAL is focused on expanding its reach and impact, and continuing to fulfill its mission through initiatives that promote character development, improve educational outcomes, and provide opportunities for equity. PAL aspires to be a model of collaborative policing, inspiring change across Massachusetts. To learn more, visit: https://palofma.org/.
About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Since 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation has worked to foster community growth and development through funding, leadership, and collaboration to transform the lives of the individuals and organizations in Greater Lowell. The organization works in partnership with donors to make high-impact grants to nonprofit organizations, scholarships, and special funding initiatives. To learn more, visit: https://www.glcfoundation.org/.
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