By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Lowell, Mass. — Police, firefighters and EMTs took 100 local kids (ages 10–14) holiday shopping at Targetduring the annual Heroes & Helpers event. Police1
- How it worked: Each child shopped alongside a first responder with a $100 gift card; Target funded $2,500 in gift cards for the event. Police1
- Who helped: Lowell Police & Fire, Mass. State Police, Pridestar Trinity EMS, and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office volunteered. Police1
- Extra support: Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Police Activities League of Massachusetts added $7,500; Pridestar Trinity EMS kicked in $500 more; AT&T provided PAL funding. Police1
- Why it matters: Organizers say the event builds positive, lasting connections between youth and first responders. Police1
LOWELL, Mass. — Holiday spirit filled a city Target this month as police officers, firefighters, EMTs and prosecutorspaired up with 100 Lowell children for the annual Heroes & Helpers shopping event, organizers said. Each child received a $100 gift card and guidance from a first responder while choosing gifts for themselves, friends or family. Police1
The shopping trip drew a broad turnout from Lowell Police and Fire, Massachusetts State Police, Pridestar Trinity EMS, and members of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said participants were moved by the kids’ thoughtfulness and emphasized the event’s role in forging trust and relationshipswith youth from under-resourced neighborhoods. Police1
Target underwrote the effort with $2,500 in gift cards. Additional community support expanded the experience: the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Police Activities League of Massachusetts (PAL) contributed $7,500, Pridestar Trinity EMS added $500 in gift cards to cover overages, and AT&T provided PAL funding. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan joined volunteers on the floor. Police1
Organizers said the program doesn’t just brighten the holidays — it offers first responders, who often encounter trauma on duty, a chance to share an uplifting, positive interaction with the community. Police1