Lowell Police Capt. Dan Desmarais fist bumps a young man he was partnered with.
(Photo Courtesy Lowell Police)

LOWELL — Thanks to generous grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, PAL of Massachusetts, Pridestar Trinity EMS, and Target, Lowell Police Officers, Firefighters, Pridestar Trinity EMTs and representatives of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office were able to go holiday shopping with 100 children from under-resourced neighborhoods in Lowell this weekend.

The Heroes and Helpers program is funded nationwide by Target which provided $2,500 in gift cards for Lowell youth to go holiday shopping. But in Lowell, the story doesn’t end there.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) and the Police Activities League (PAL) of Massachusetts partnered to strengthen this year’s event with a generous $7,500 contribution, which funded gift cards and the overall success of the event. This support made it possible for even more children to enjoy a joyful, memorable holiday shopping experience alongside local first responders.

The generous grant funding meant that Lowell Police, Lowell Fire, and Pridestar Trinity EMS needed enough volunteer first responders to partner with 100 kids. They had no trouble finding volunteers, and even District Attorney Marian Ryan and several assistant district attorneys and victim witness advocates volunteered to partner with youth.

Shoppers ranged from 10 to 14 years old, and were selected based on need with assistance from Lowell Public Schools.

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.

Pridestar Trinity EMS also donated $500 in Target gift cards to help cover any youth who went over their $100 spending limit. AT&T provided additional funding to PAL of Massachusetts to support their grant.

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 program also gives first responders, who often face trauma while working, an opportunity to have a positive experience with members of the community.

“Every officer and first responder who volunteered, myself included, were moved by the thoughtfulness and excitement of the kids we were partnered with,” said Superintendent Greg Hudon. “Heroes and Helpers provides a priceless opportunity for our officers to meet the future of our community during the holiday season. We are truly grateful to all of the organizations that made this possible.”

“Troopers share the commitment of the Lowell Police Department, and the statewide law enforcement community to supporting families in need during this holiday season,” said State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this program and deepen our relationships in the communities we serve.”

“PAL was proud to support Saturday’s Heroes and Helpers event in Lowell,” said Kimberly Gleason, Chief Executive Officer of PAL of Massachusetts. “Seeing first responders and young people connect and share in the excitement of the season is what this event is all about. We’re grateful to our partners at Lowell Target, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, and AT&T for making it possible. We are also thankful to the Lowell Police and Fire Departments, the Massachusetts State Police, and PrideStar Trinity EMS for showing up with such heart. Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the spirit of community during the holidays.”

“At AT&T we say that connecting changes everything. The Police Activities League of Massachusetts, Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement are connecting with families this holiday season through their Heroes and Helpers events. We are honored to support their efforts as they bring joy to kids around the Commonwealth. During this season of giving, it is important for all of us to work together to address the challenges faced by local families and increase community engagement. From our AT&T family to yours, we wish our friends across Massachusetts a happy and safe holiday season,” said John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region.

“The Greater Lowell Community Foundation is thrilled to partner with Lowell Police and to bring joy and excitement to so many youth in our community during the holiday,” said GLCF President and CEO James F. Linnehan Jr.

“Being a part of Heroes and Helpers is about far more than holiday shopping, it helps to build genuine connections and trust within the communities we serve. Our assistant district attorneys, victim witness advocates and I were honored to be a part of a day that offered such a joyful and positive experience for young people in Lowell,” said District Attorney Ryan. “We are grateful to our partners in law enforcement, the organizers and the many community leaders whose support made this event possible.”

“This is yet another incredible example of how the Lowell community and our first responders always come through for our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner. “Not only will this shopping trip provide joy this holiday season for these kids and their families, but it is an experience the students will always remember. It is another wonderful way to build relationships between our first responders and students and for students to see what true service to the community looks like in action. We truly appreciate all of the partners that have made this terrific program a reality.”