East Windsor Police Union Members Take Kids on a Holiday Shopping Spree

It wasn’t a man with a white beard and red outfit who brought cheer to local school children in East Windsor. Instead it was the men and women in blue, from the East Windsor Police Union, AFSCME Local 3583, who took nearly two dozen kids on a huge shopping spree at the local Wal-Mart on Dec. 7.

Thanks to the local union’s “Shop with a Cop” initiative, 24 children, ranging from first to seventh grade, were able to fill up each of their shopping carts with up to $250 worth of toys and other gifts. East Windsor police officers accompanied the children and their parents through the store and witnessed first-hand the smiles of joy on each of their faces.

“We had an amazing time,” said Sgt. Jeff Reimer, president of the East Windsor Police Union, who was instrumental in pulling the event together with the full support of the Police Department.  “It gave us the chance to come together and bond with kids in our community at a time when they deserve some holiday cheer. We all had a blast. We felt like kids again.”

Participating families felt the same way.

“Things have been hard for the last year and a half [with COVID]. Having the experience of something magical like this, and talking to the officers, is great,” said Michelle, a parent who accompanied her sons DJ (7) and Paul (7).

The magic was clear to see on the faces of children like 8-year-old Kayden, who went shopping with Ofc. Hacia. Kayden’s wish list thoughtfully included jewelry for his mother and baby clothes for his sister, as well a Lego set for himself. 

Sgt. Kasey Gonsalves accompanied eight-year-old Iyla, who said she wanted buy a few presents for her dog, Zeus, and her family. She also said she would buy one present for herself.

Local 3583 applied for and received a $5,000 grant from Wal-Mart to underwrite the shopping free. The union also contributed funds in excess of the $5,000 to make sure every child had $250 to spend.

The East Windsor Social Services helped coordinate “Shop with a Cop” by identifying families to participate in the event and also providing hot chocolate and snacks to all the participants.

“We want to pair up the kids with the officers to have a fun, relaxed time and build togetherness,” said Melissa Maltese, Director of Recreation and Community Services, and a member of Council 4’s Local 818 (municipal supervisors) chapter.

Local 3583 has a long tradition of helping families and children during the holidays with events like “Stuff a Cruiser,” but Maltese said this year’s “Shop with a Cop” initiative was the largest and most impactful event she had seen.

“We are grateful for the police union and their support,” Maltese added.

“This is coming at a wonderful time,” said Lt. Matthew Carl, a union member and also the department’s public information officer. “One behalf of the police department, we were thrilled to help with this event.”

East Windsor Police Union members who helped Shop with a Cop so such a fun and successful event were: Sgt. Jeff Reimer, Lt. Matthew Carl, Sgt. Jeff Chant, Sgt. Kasey Gonsalves, Cpl. Nick Cangemi, Ofc. Alex Hacia, Ofc. Sean Walsh, Ofc. David Szabo, Cpl. Byron Smith , Ofc. Zachary Sherman, Ofc. Tamrah Stepien and Det. Scott Roberts .