Stoughton Police held a Shop with a Cop event at Target on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara is pleased to share that the Stoughton Police Department participated in Shop with a Cop on Tuesday at the town’s Target store. The event pairs local children in need with local police officers for an evening of pizza, shopping, and the holiday spirit.

The program brought together about 20 police officers and 17 local children, each officer accompanying a kid as they strolled through the aisles of Target, selecting gifts and carefully picking out toys, clothes, and other items — both for themselves and their families. Gifts included Star Wars LEGO sets, Nintendo Switch games, Rubik’s Cubes, American Dolls, and action figures. In one touching moment, a child debated between a toy for themselves and one for a younger sibling, ultimately choosing to prioritize their sibling’s happiness.

“It’s incredible to see how thoughtful these kids are,” said School Resource Officer Lindsay Bonda, who played a key role in coordinating the event. “Watching them shop for their loved ones alongside our officers is what makes this event so special.”

The evening began with a shared meal of Papa Gino’s pizza and refreshments, allowing officers and families to connect before hitting the aisles. All of the officers involved volunteered their own time, attending the event off the clock to make the night memorable for the young participants. In addition to their pre-planned budget of $100 per child, officers often dipped deeper into their own wallets to cover additional costs when children found items a bit beyond their allowance.

This year’s program also featured special appearances by police comfort dogs from the Wrentham Police Department and Babson College Police Department, along with their handlers. The comfort dogs brought smiles and joy to the children and their families, and their handlers talked to the children about their training and jobs.

The Shop with a Cop program was held annually at least three times in Stoughton before being paused for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the efforts of the Stoughton Police Department, Target, and Stoughton Public Schools, the event was brought back this year with renewed enthusiasm. The program’s revival stemmed from a conversation between a Target employee and the Police Department, with Chief McNamara enthusiastically giving the green light to reinstate this holiday tradition.

“This event is a perfect example of what community policing is all about,” said Chief McNamara. “It’s not just about the gifts; it’s about the connections we build with our neighbors. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and the pride on our officers’ faces reminds us why we do what we do.”

The department worked closely with Stoughton Public Schools to identify participating children, ensuring the program reached those most in need. Principals, including Principal Rob Cancelleri from Dawe Elementary School, helped select students, while Officer Bonda coordinated with families and Sgt. Ryan Flanagan organized with fellow police to make the evening a success.

“Shop with a Cop is a highlight of our year,” Chief McNamara said. “The strong partnership between the police, schools, and Target has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this event. We love doing this. As much fun as it is for the kids, every officer enjoys it as well. It’s a great time. It’s about coming together as a community to lift each other up and spread a little joy this holiday season.”

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Stoughton Police Deputy Chief Nathan Derby helps children during the Shop with a Cop event at Target on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

Stoughton Police School Resource Officer Lindsay Bonda and Sgt. Paul Williams help a child in the electronics section during the Shop with a Cop event at Target on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

Stoughton Police Officers Dominic Evangelista, center-left, and Steve McNamara help a child check out during the Shop with a Cop event at Target on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

Stoughton Police Officer Michael Connelly helps a child pick out an electronic during the Shop with a Cop event at Target on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara, left, and Deputy Chief James O’Connor, right, with children they helped during the Shop with a Cop event at Target on Thursday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy Stoughton Police Department)