Kids & Family
Police Team with Target to Give Holiday Gifts to South Brunswick Students
South Brunswick Police partnered with Target to give ten students the opportunity to shop for the holidays.
South Brunswick Police teamed up with Target to bring holiday joy to a group of South Brunswick students on Thursday as part of the Heroes and Helpers program.
Heroes and Helpers is a national program run by Target that looks to partner police and youth for a day of holiday shopping. Local police unions, PBA Local 166 and FOP Lodge 51 helped fund the program this year and, along with Target, provided ten students with funds to shop. Each student was accompanied by an officer to help them pick out gifts.
“The program creates new relationships between the kids and the officers. It also recognizes outstanding young people and adds holiday cheer at a time of year that can be challenging for many,” said South Brunswick Chief Raymond Hayducka.
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The students were all chosen by their South Brunswick School staff and principals for being positive role models and leaders in their schools. One student raised money to battle childhood cancer, another worked to raise money for a new art room for James Monroe Elementary School in Edison, while a third worked to fix up damaged homes. In each case the school district believed the students demonstrated what embodies a caring community.
South Brunswick School District Superintendent Jerry Jellig praised the students who were being recognized by the program for their leadership and contributions to their schools.
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“The program highlighted the strength in our partnership with the police and business community,” Jellig said.
Chief Hayducka added, “We have a great community that supports our police department. It is events like this that highlights the strengths of having great relationships with our business community, our schools, and our residents. When I asked officers who wanted to participate in the program, I had a dozen officers volunteer right away. It is my hope that this is an annual event and will grow in the years to come.”
Chief Hayducka also thanked Target for all their work in making Helpers and Heroes a success.
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