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Cruiser Cares backpack, coat distribution makes multi-state impact

The Hampden County, Mass. Deputy’s event is geared to help the homeless.

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Deputy Bob Charland is back at it. The Hampden County, Massachusetts Sheriff's Department is all about outreach programs and his latest event has extended its reach into Connecticut.

Charland just orchestrated the “Cruiser Cares Backpack Event,” which provides winter essentials to those in need – numerous police departments took part in the event, including several agencies from Connecticut.

“What we did is we had youth groups from 4-H and the Girl Scouts all come down and make over 300 backpacks full of winter supplies," Charland said. "And in addition, we had 1,500 brand new winter coats that came in from an anonymous donor and then we had 12,000 pairs of winter socks that we donated by the Bombas Sock Company.”

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All the coats and backpacks were then picked by local law enforcement and distributed to those who need them in their respective communities.

The Hartford Police Department made the trip from the Capital City to West Springfield to load up on goods at Charland’s large warehouse on Front Street.

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“This is actually what is most important – it’s helping out the community and looking out for each other,” said Hartford Asst. Chief Kenny Howell, with his hands full of backpacks and coats.

Additionally, the Enfield Police Department and the Connecticut State Police also took part in the Cruiser Cares event.

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“It’s an amazing feeling knowing that there are like-minded people in law enforcement that truly want to go out there and help the less fortunate,” Charland added.

Deputy Bob Charland’s outreach program called "Pedal Through Youth" has been around since 2017. To learn more, visit www.pedalthruyouth.org.

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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