Kids Swarm Swat Team Santas

A community building project put together by the Region 1 SWAT team over the last couple of days proved extremely popular Friday afternoon.

Members of the SWAT team have been looking for ways to connect with the community in situations other than emergencies.

Earlier this week they decided that putting together a gift give-away with kids on Casino Road would be a good starting project.

Team members took up a collection and purchased items for kids filling 150 back packs.

Word went out on social media yesterday that the team would be at the Casino Road Boys and Girls Club from three to four PM this afternoon.

Parents and kids began lining up today before 2:30 PM. At 2:45 the SWAT team’s Bearcat arrived carrying team members and all of the backpacks.

A line quickly wrapped around the corner of the Boys and Girls Club and distribution began.

All the while more and more kids and parents arrived.

Things moved quickly and within about 20 minutes all the available back packs had been given out.

People were invited to visit with the team members and explore the Bearcat and have photos taken.

This is the first community building project for the Region 1 SWAT team who promised to do more events throughout the coming year and again next Christmas.

The kids and team members looked to each be having a good time hanging out over a candy cane and a photo even when the backpacks were gone.

A great first project for a team that can be intimidating from a distance but approachable and friendly up close.

Here are a few MyEverettNews.com photos of the gathering this afternoon.

Click photo to enlarge.