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FRAMINGHAM – For five years, heroes & helpers have provided gifts for more than 1,200 youths as part of its annual Shop with a Cop event in December.

The Framingham Police Department is seeking sponsors and donations for the annual program in 2020, said Matthew Gutwill.

​The event is open to residents of Framingham, Ashland , Holliston, Natick that meet the criteria for this event. 

In the past 5 years this event has brought together more than 2,000 children to spend a evening with local and state police officers to do holiday shopping. 

The program is expected to help about 300-400 children on Dec. 16.

To attend this event please see the application link
https://newenglandneoa.regfox.com/shop-with-a-cop-metrowest-2021

Families are selected by school social workers, school resource officers, and referrals from several organizations.

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This event is completely funded from private donation made directly to the Framingham Police Association as well as donations from every member of the Framingham Police Association  who contribute to the Framingham Police Association for community events. 

“We would also like to thank our long time partner Chick-fil-A of Framingham and our 2021 partner Walmart of Framingham,” said Gutwill.

If you would like to make a donation please send checks to the Framingham Police Association shop with a cop at 1 William Welch Way Framingham, Ma 01702

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This year will be the 6th year of the program, and times are even tougher with the coronavirus pandemic still lingering around.

Shop with a cop Metro West started in 2015 assisting families who are in need of financial help, families of military personnel who are deployed and, or families that the members of the Framingham Police Association recognize as those who are in need during the holiday season, said Gutwill.

This event could not of been as successful as it is, without the help of the members of the Framingham Police Association who volunteered their time to help set this event up and to help the kids shop on the night of the event, added Gutwill.

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.