On Friday, December 3rd, some very lucky Metuchen children received $20 gift certificates from the Metuchen Police Department.  Belinda Savarese, Donald McCarthy, and John and Brynna Morris were the first four children to collect all 30 Metuchen Police trading cards and bring them to Police Headquarters.  The children received their gift certificates at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting sponsored by the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce, where Police Chief James Keane addressed the crowd and Community Policing Officer Daniel Granato presented the prizes.
 
The gift certificates were donated by three local Chamber member businesses, Antonio’s Brick Oven Pizza, LaRosa’s Pizzeria, and What’s The Scoop, who were delighted to help the Metuchen Police Department by offering prizes for the contest.


 
The trading cards were designed to provide a comfortable way for Officers to interact with kids, and a familiar way for kids to get to know their local Police Officers.  The front of each card shows a photo of an officer.  The back of the card contains bio information or a personal or safety message from the officer.  The goal of the program is to reach as many children as possible with a message that enhances communication and trust. 
 
While the prizes have already been awarded for the contest, children up to age 14 are encouraged to continue approaching Metuchen’s finest to ask them for their trading card.  Upon collecting all 30, the children should bring the cards to Police Headquarters, and they will be awarded a certificate.
 
Trading card posters are on display at Moss, Campbell and Edgar Schools, the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce office, and in many of the local businesses.  Children can check the status of their collection by comparing it to one of the posters.