Epstein Foundation Makes Donation To Newtown Shop With A Cop

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Gene Epstein, on behalf of the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund, has donated $5,000 to the Newtown #ShopwithaCop program.

On hand to accept the donation was Newtown Township Police Chief John L. Hearn.

According to Hearn, Epstein's continuous support of the program allows Newtown Township officers to connect with children from the region who are in need in order to make their holiday a little brighter.

Gene, who just sold one of his classic automobiles to raise money for food banks in Bucks County, said he and his wife also wanted to give to this important program.

According to Gene, with his donation of $5000 he hopes that others will be inspired to make a similar substantial donation.

"So many people are blessed with good health, happiness and financial success but do not realize how much others are in need," he said.

Gene thanked Chief Hearn and the other officers for everything that they do.

"It is certainly appreciated," said Chief Hearn.

Shop With a Cop pairs police officers with children on a pre-holiday shopping spree like no other.

Last year several hundred elementary and early middle school children from the Council Rock School District who are facing life challenges, including a parent losing a job, tragedy, homelessness, military deployment, economic shortcomings, and other hardships, benefited from the program.

Shop With A Cop typically provides each child with $200 to purchase gifts for themselves and their family members. The kids are then joined on their holiday shopping spree by police officers from four municipalities - Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, Upper Makefield Township and Northampton Township.

The magic that unfolds in the aisles and checkout lines at the Target store is priceless, not just for the child but also for the cops who get to be part of something really special.

“The act of kindness that Gene has bestowed on our Shop With A Cop program is just unbelievable,” said District Judge Michael Petrucci, the co-founder of the Council Rock Shop With A Cop. “He has continuously been extremely generous to not only Shop With A Cop, but our community at large. He exemplifies the point of giving back."

Petrucci continued, "What he has done today is to help many children living within our community. He’s going to make their holiday season that much better. With that single donation, he has single-handily helped dozens of local families.”