From left to right: Eric Laflamme, Mayor John Vieau, Travis Odiorne, Amanda Reed, Peter Wirth and Doug Lambert kick off Christmas in July fundraiser.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — As we reach the halfway point of the year, it is never too early to think about Christmas. The Chicopee Police Department and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield joined forces on July 9 to begin collect donations for the annual “Shop With A Cop” program.
The Chicopee Police Association assists in making the holiday season happy for all. With the help of Walmart, 50 students aged 13-16 from Chicopee Public Schools will be chosen to shop with a Chicopee Police Officer for Christmas gifts this year.
All of the funds raised from Christmas in July will be used to help the students have a great Christmas.
In an effort to raise funds for the event, the Police Department and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield will be collecting donations through a mobile Christmas tree that will be moved to different businesses and city buildings from July to the end of November.
The first stop the Christmas tree made was at Leadfoot Brewery on July 9. The schedule for other locations in Chicopee will be announced soon.
Mayor John Vieau was at the kickoff to celebrate the donation initiative and partnership between the Police Department and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.
He said, “One thing about the city of Chicopee, we love our Police Department and we want to build those positive relationships with the people who live in the city, especially the younger adults, teenagers and children and making sure they know the police are there to work with them and build that public trust.”
Police Officer Travis Odiorne said that last year there were not enough toys to go around so this event is to help raise enough money to supply gifts for those who are need.
Vieau also talked about how great the Shop With A Cop program is.
“Those children of Chicopee are going to have an opportunity to actually go shopping for something on their wish list, something that they’ve been dreaming about that could probably never happen at home and having the Police Department and the great community help. What I always say, if there is a need, a cause or a reason, Chicopee will come through every single time and in this particular case we are going to hopefully fulfill a wish for a child of Chicopee.”
Mercedes-Benz of Springfield Owner Peter Wirth talked about how lucky the dealership is to have the Police Department as a partner and why the dealership wanted to help.
He said, “It’s been a great partnership ever since we came to the city and we are happy that in a small way we can give back to the community. The Police Department and Police Association are doing so many great things and Christmas in July is one of them and what they’re going to be able to do as far as presents for kids and teenagers later in the year.”
Wirth also announced that to help kick off the event, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield will be donating $1,000 to the cause.
“We hope that at all the events that Santa and the tree is present, we can encourage other community members and organizations to also join and support this great cause,” Wirth added.
To receive a free gift from Mercedes-Benz this July, you have to make a donation of $100 or more, share the flyer to your social media and tag Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.
