‘Best Christmas ever.’ Bikers join police for ‘Shop With a Cop’ event in Burlington County
“To give them that Christmas experience, because that’s what those kids deserve. Felt great. This is great. I wish I could do this every day,” said Lt. Thomas Lucas.
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Families in need in Burlington County got an unexpected boost this holiday season as local police teamed up not only with officers, but with bikers, to help make Christmas possible.
The Nam Knights Tri-Base Chapter recruited the Pemberton Township Police Department to take five families in need on a holiday shopping trip to Walmart, providing each with $500 in donated funds raised by the chapter.
“We were always looking to do something during the holidays to help needy families in the neighborhood. And we partnered up with Pemberton Police Department, and they helped us with organizing some of the families,” said chapter Vice President Eric Landron.
As expected, most of the children made a beeline for the toy aisles.
For the bikers and officers, the goal was simple – make sure every child had a Christmas they would remember.
“To give them that Christmas experience, because that’s what those kids deserve. Felt great. This is great. I wish I could do this every day,” said Lt. Thomas Lucas.
For many of the families, the help came just in time.
“I’ve been out of work for about three months in extreme pain, and somebody nominated me so that I could get stuff for my kids for Christmas,” said parent Kristina Byrd. “I’m very thankful. More than I can put into words, because it was a big fear that I wouldn’t be able to do anything for them.”
The children seemed to agree. One little girl declared it the “best Christmas ever.”
The Nam Knights say they hope to continue and expand the event, and others like it, with the help of donations. They say all of their donation proceeds go back into the community.
“Today was probably one of the most awesome days I've had. I got a little choked up that the kids were not only appreciative of the presents, but they were looking to give to other people. So we know we picked the right families.” Landron said.
