Schools nominated as role models
South Brunswick Police teamed up with Target to bring some holiday joy to a group of South Brunswick students on Thursday afternoon as part of the Helpers and Heroes program.
The two local police unions, PBA Local #166 and FOP Lodge #51, along with the Target on Route 1, provided 10 students with a total of $1,500 in funds to shop, according to a press release.
The officers accompanied the students to help them pick out gifts.
The students were all chosen as positive role models and leaders in their schools, the release said.
Heroes and Helpers is a national program run by Target that looks to partner police and youth for a day of holiday shopping.
The local police unions joined in funding the program this year, according to the release.
"The program creates new relationships between the kids and the officers," South Brunswick Chief Raymond Hayducka said. "It also recognizes outstanding young people and adds holiday cheer at a time of year that can be challenging for many."
South Brunswick School officials nominated many of the students because they identified them as role models.
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, according to the release.
In each case the school district believed the students demonstrated what embodies a caring community.
"We have a great community that supports our police department," Chief Hayducka said. "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 thanked Target for all their work in making Helpers and Heroes a success.

