Last month, Target on Pleasant Valley Street was jam-packed with nearly 60 police officers from the Methuen and Lawrence police departments as well as several Massachusetts state troopers and Lawrence firefighters – all for a good cause.

Through the efforts of the Police Activities League (PAL) of Massachusetts and Target, close to 100 children from the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Lawrence Boys and Girls Club and other organizations each received a $100 gift card to go shopping with an officer.

Kimberly Gleason, CEO of the Police Activities League, said, “We are doing this because of community needs, children who most likely might not have anything on Christmas morning. This is the first time we are doing this and hopefully we can continue partnering with Target. … We were in Natick and now Methuen and everyone is having a wonderful time”

Connecting cops and kids, PAL helps make community engagement happen. The program serves as a conduit between law enforcement agencies, schools, community organizations and corporate support to positively impact more youth in Massachusetts.

Target manager Cali Hill said, “This is great! I’m enjoying seeing the children’s smiles.”

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker joined in on the fun, witnessing the success of this first-time event.

Some of the children even thought of their younger siblings and purchased gifts for them as well.