Lowell Police Capt. Marisol Nobrega poses with Bullseye and a young shopper. (Courtesy Lowell Police)

LOWELL — The Lowell Police Department, 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.”

Lowell Police Lt. Dawn Beauchesne helps a young shopper try on a new winter coat. (Courtesy Lowell Police)

“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.”