(Additional photograph below.)
A partnership between Northern Essex Community College police cadets and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Haverhill and Lawrence will see more than 200 toys distributed to children in need this holiday season.
Cadets in the Sixth Recruit Officer Course donated new toys, including basketballs, board games and puzzles for area kids. The event was coordinated by two student officers, Salem Police Department recruit Lexi Howard and Chelmsford Police Department recruit Carly Rose.
This year marks the third year of the program, with more than 700 toys collected since its inception.
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill Executive Director Javier Bristol called it “an exciting time of year” for the organization serving over 300 kids in greater Haverhill.
“This is something that directly benefits the kids in our community. It’s just a great partnership to have,” he said. “We have a holiday party on Dec. 20 where we give away all of the gifts that we receive from different organizations and this police academy donation is going to go such a long way.”
Those looking to get involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill are asked to call 978-374-6171, ext. 108, for more information.
Northern Essex Community College police cadets line up with toys for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Haverhill and Lawrence. (WHAV News photograph.)