East Windsor police officers treat 21 children to holiday shopping trip

Susan Danseyar, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Dec. 8—EAST WINDSOR — Twenty-one of the town's school children bought holiday gifts at Wal-Mart on Prospect Hill today, thanks to "Shop with a Cop," a community service initiative launched by the East Windsor Police Union, AFSCME Local 3583, and supported by the East Windsor Police Department.

Each child, accompanied by a police officer, was allowed to fill a shopping cart with up to $250 worth of presents during the shopping spree made possible by a $5,000 grant that Wal-Mart awarded to the East Windsor Police Union.

"We're so excited about this initiative," said Sgt. Jeff Reimer, president of the union. "It gives our officers the chance to come together and bond with kids in our community at a time when they need some holiday cheer."

The Social Services Department selected the students — from elementary school through 10th grade — who participated in the shopping event. Melissa Maltese, director of Recreation and Community Services, said she and her staff nominated the children from the town's "Holiday Adopt a Child" program, where approved families needing support for the holidays fill out a wish card for children ages two to 13 years old to receive gifts. Volunteer sponsors then provide the presents.

"We are grateful for the police union and their support," Maltese said. "Each year, they help provide families and children with help during the holidays but this is the largest event with more children than we've had before."

Maltese said the children were encouraged by the Social Services Department to purchase gifts for others so that everyone in their families will know the joy of opening a present on Christmas.

Eight-year-old Kayden Velazques, a third-grader at the Broad Brook Elementary School, was shopping for his mother. His list included a necklace, rings and possibly a new laptop computer for her. He also wanted to get new baby clothes for his sister and a Lego set for himself.

Isla Briggs, 8 years old and a second-grader at the Broad Brook Elementary School, wanted to buy a few presents for her dog, Zeus, and her family. She also intended to buy one present for herself.

Sgt. Matthew Carl, the public information officer for the police department, said the event is a fantastic opportunity to give back to children and families in the community, especially given the frustrations from the COVID-19 pandemic that many are still experiencing. "This is coming at a wonderful time," he said. "I'd like to say, on behalf of the police department, that we're thrilled to help with this event."

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