10 South Brunswick Kids Chosen for $150 Shopping Spree with Police

South Brunswick, NJ - South Brunswick police participated in something truly special Thursday night: They escorted 10 township kids on a holiday shopping spree at the Target on Rt. 1.

The kids were each given a $150 gift card and told to shop ‘till they dropped in Target, as part of the second annual “Heroes and Helpers” event.

How were the students chosen? Principals of 10 South Brunswick schools each nominated a student for many different reasons: Some of the kids volunteer in amazing ways, such as helping autistic children, tutoring kindergartners or volunteering in a local soup kitchen.

One child struggled socially and academically last year, and turned their life around for the better in 2015. The principal noticed that, and wanted to recognize the child, a police spokesman said. Another South Brunswick student raised money this past year to help treatment of Ebola patients in Africa.

And what’s even better? Many of the students spent their gift cards on toys for needy families.

“I saw at least five of the kids buying gifts for others less fortunate,” Captain James Ryan of the South Brunswick PD told Patch. “Another child was buying all gifts for his family — his mom, his sister.”

The shopping spree was sponsored by South Brunswick PBA and FOP, Target and the South Brunswick School District.

“This gave officers the ability to connect with young people and share a great memory,” South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said.

These 10 students were selected from more than 9,000 South Brunswick kids:

Eric Robinson, South Brunswick High School

Darren Olsen, Crossroads South

Sanjana Kowshik, Crossroads North

Jake Graci, Brunswick Acres

Madison Bachmann, Greenbrook

Megan Sidoti, Cambridge

Irene Chiotis, Constable

Katelyn O’Rourke, Monmouth Junction

Alan Shivey-Wells, Indian Fields

Gabriella Tuzzolino, Brooks Crossing