CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — Some Cheektowaga kids got to enjoy a holiday shopping spree on Thursday morning, thanks to the men and women who keep them safe.
This was the fourth year for the Cheektowaga Police Blue Mittens Project, where officers work with local community groups and schools to go shopping with kids in need.
It started with five kids and their families back in 2016. This year 21 children joined the officers for a day of incredible generosity.
"A lot of the officers are here on their own time," said Cheektowaga Police Sergeant Justin Haag, who is also a program co-founder. "And I think that's pretty special to have officers here on their own time come out in the holiday season.
"There's overtime details going on, there's family commitments, and the officers are out here, a lot of them volunteering their time to be a part of these programs. It's pretty special."
The kids got to ride around in Cheektowaga Police cars on Thursday, and they enjoyed lunch donated by the Salsaritas on Union Road.
They will also get holiday meals delivered by police next week.
