By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Lowell, Mass. — First responders took 100 local kids (ages 10–14) holiday shopping at Target during the annual Heroes & Helpers event. FireRescue1
- How it worked: Each child paired with a cop, firefighter or EMT and received a $100 gift card; Target funded $2,500 in cards. FireRescue1
- Who helped: Lowell Police & Fire, Mass. State Police, Pridestar Trinity EMS, and the Middlesex DA’s Officevolunteered. FireRescue1
- Extra support: Greater Lowell Community Foundation + PAL of Massachusetts added $7,500; Pridestar Trinity EMS chipped in $500; AT&T supported PAL. FireRescue1
LOWELL, Mass. — Holiday cheer filled a city Target as police officers, firefighters, EMTs and prosecutors paired up with 100 Lowell children for the annual Heroes & Helpers shopping event, organizers said. Each child received a $100 gift card and shopped alongside a first responder, choosing gifts for themselves and loved ones. FireRescue1
The outing drew volunteers from Lowell Police and Fire, Massachusetts State Police, Pridestar Trinity EMS, and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Superintendent Greg Hudon said the day creates a positive, lasting connectionbetween youth and first responders, particularly for kids from under-resourced neighborhoods selected with help from Lowell Public Schools. FireRescue1
Target underwrote the event with $2,500 in gift cards, and community partners expanded the effort: the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Police Activities League of Massachusetts (PAL) contributed $7,500; Pridestar Trinity EMS added $500 to cover any overages; and AT&T provided PAL support. Middlesex DA Marian Ryan and her team also joined the shopping crews. FireRescue1
Organizers say Heroes & Helpers offers first responders—who regularly confront trauma on duty—an opportunity to share a joyful, uplifting experience with local families while building trust that lasts beyond the holidays. FireRescue1