TINTON FALLS–Spreading some early Christmas cheer for more than 30 children in need, the Tinton Falls Police Department held its third annual “Shop with a Cop” event.
Detective Sgt. Michael DeLucia said that for this year’s event, 34 children were given $150 each to shop at a store of their choice on Dec. 17 at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, which is located at 1 Premium Outlet Boulevard.
“This event does not run without our sponsors, whether it’s a family sponsor or a corporate, we don’t force anybody. We try to build relationships with our businesses and our families and it’s just word of mouth [about] what we do,” DeLucia said.
Sponsors for the police department’s “Shop with a Cop” event included Adara Body Sculpting, Anderson Family, Attilios Pizzeria, Brooks Family, Chropuvka Family, Clay Family, DCH Honda Eatontown, Devine Family, Dunkin Donuts, Eat Clean Bro, Fama Family, Ferreri Family, Gianni’s Pizzeria, I’m Possible Training, Jersey Shore Supplements, Luigi’s Famous Pizzeria, Mazza Family, Ottaiano Family, Queso Grill, Roche Family, Shackleton Family, Siebert Family, Simon Group, Student Leaders AP GRoup, the Wright Way Academy, Tinton Falls Police Local #251, Senator Vin Gopal, and Winding Brook School.
Monmouth Regional High School students and officers from the Tinton Falls Police Department accompanied children to different stores at the outlet mall to help each child pick out gifts for themselves.
Before beginning their Christmas shopping, families were provided with coffee and donuts. Sponsors representatives, Senator Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and former and current Borough Council members also attended the event.
In order to choose who will be selected to attend the event, DeLucia said the department will go off of the recommendations of its School Resource Officers Cpl. Elena Mazzeo-Ignaczak, Patrolman Eric Ammirata and Patrolman Ryan Daly.
Ignaczak said, “What we do is we reach out to the school administration and they basically let us know which families are in need of assistance around Christmas time.”
During the event, children shopped at various stores some included the Nike Factory Store, Toys Express, Claire’s, UGG store, Children’s Place and the Gap store.
Ammirata said, “It feels good to help families that we know are in need and appreciate it, so it really makes us feel good.”
“Seeing those kids smile is priceless,” Ignaczak said.
At the end of the event, children got a chance to take pictures with Santa.
For more information, about the Tinton Falls Police Department visit www.tintonfalls.com/content/115/669/1006/1551/1750/default.aspx.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].