FRAMINGHAM – Hundreds of children and police officers from the MetroWest area and beyond converged on the Framingham Walmart for the annual “Shop with a Cop” event.
This year, each child was paired with a police officer and given $50 to spend on a toy of their choice. The event helped approximately 550 children in financial need and even featured appearances by new Grinch and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble.
For Framingham School Resource Officer Kathy McGrath, the event is another opportunity to bond with the children she continually works with.
“It fills my heart to see all the kids getting out and having a great time, shopping and enjoying themselves,” McGrath said.
Child linked to officer for eight years
For eight years, she has been like a personal Santa Claus, deftly helping Diego Resto-Maura choose the perfect gifts.
“I’ve known her for a long time,” Diego said. “Since then, like in kindergarten or first grade.” Diego picked out a Marvel Iron Man and a Star Wars LEGO set on Wednesday evening.
When the purchase is complete, it’s not just about the present, but also about the moments leading up to it. “Sometimes we like to cuddle and then we ask how we are doing,” Diego said.
Officer McGrath knows that these memories will last for the children as they did for her, and that the impact will go even further. “If we have to respond to a school, we don’t want them to be afraid of us,” McGrath said. “We are there to be friends with them.”
Most of the money for the event comes from the Framingham Police Association. The event has been running for nine years and has helped more than 3,000 children.
