HINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Members of the Hingham Police Department have found a new way to give back to their community while also supporting local businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Hingham's officers have been reporting dozens of creative ways they have been reaching out to the community during lockdown, including drive-by visits for kids' birthdays, and first responder-led "appreciation convoys" through local healthcare facilities.
Hingham's residents have also been supporting the police department in return, including making deliveries of hand sanitizers, masks, and gift cards to the station.
This week, officers started brainstorming other ways they could help their community after the Governor ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses.
According to the Hingham Journal, the officers decided on a way they could help out both small businesses and local residents in need of a hot meal. The union representing officers in Hingham would usually sponsor town events and groups like youth sports teams and the annual Christmas dinner for hundreds of seniors.
With all events canceled during the pandemic, the union instead purchased $1,600 worth of gift cards from the town's restaurants and Stop & Shop grocery store. Half of the gift cards were donated to the town’s veterans department, and the other half went to the department of elder services.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App
(Photo: Sgt. Steven Dearth/Twitter)