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FRAMINGHAM – The Framingham Police Department is seeking sponsors and donations for the annual Shop With A Cop program, said Framingham Police Officer Matthew Gutwill.

The 2022 program will be held at Walmart on December 15.

Chick-fil-A and Michael Cannon & Associates have already signed on, but more sponsors are needed, said Gutwill.

The Shop With a Cop program 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.

And the program is no longer just Framingham, and has expanded in recent years to include officers and other first responders from Ashland, Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, Marlborough, Westborough, and beyond.

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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.

Gutwill said this year the need could be even higher. He said he is concerned there will not be enough funding for all the kids.

The program supports kids in grades 1-9.

Families are selected by school social workers, school resource officers, and referrals from several organizations. But individuals can recommend a family, too.

“Our goal is to take care of the youths and make sure everyone has a wonderful holiday,” said Gutwill.

Anyone who would like to donate can contact Gutwill at mjg@framinghamma.gov

Or checks can also be made out to the Framingham Police Association and can be dropped off at the police station or mailed to the Framingham police station at 1 William Welch Way, Framingham MA 01702.

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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.