Timothy Bachot of the Hammond Police Department gives back to the community through 'Toys for Tots.'
Courtesy of Timothy Bachot

A former University police officer spread the true meaning of Christmas this past holiday season by giving back to those in need. With the holidays always busy with shopping and buying presents for family and friends, Timothy Bachot of the Hammond Police Department Reserves brought presents and smiles to those less fortunate.

This is the first year Bachot ran Toys for Tots. He also started a GoFundMe account which received a lot of attention.

“I never planned on the growth of the original story,” said Bachot. “But from the media fallout, I turned it into a positive measure by opening up a GoFundMe account which ultimately led to an enormous following and outpouring of support from the community.”

According to Bachot, the Hammond PD Union matched his proceeds from the GoFundMe, and they have decided to make this annual service for those in need in the community.

Bachot had inspiration to start this, and it began with his love for children. He has made it a personal experience for himself.

“I love children,” said Bachot. “What motivated me to accomplish this was the impoverished neighborhoods I work in on a regular basis and the children who live in those conditions. I specifically picked families who I met with and were in dire need for Christmas presents for their children. To make a child’s Christmas special is the most humbling experience anyone could ever partake in.”

Bachot takes two weeks of his time working for free on this special job. Great work sometimes needs great help, and Bachot had plenty of people willing. 

“I had the help of several police wives when buying gifts for the children, which was a tremendous help, and from a couple Hammond Police Union members,” said Bachot. “I appreciate my job more now, both being able to protect and serve.”

With Bachot’s generous gift giving, he has had many positive emotions from children.

“The children received the gifts with smiles, hugs and tears,” said Bachot. “Some of the children had never seen such extravagant gifts prior to this project, and it was the most humbling and rewarding feeling giving back to those families in need.”

Bachot has gained several memories from his experience, but one stuck out to him. 

“The best memory from the experience was a little girl I met who wanted a cross necklace with an angel hanging from it so ‘She could become closer with God’ over the next year,” said Bachot. “I made sure to include the necklace and angel pendant and personally put it on her Christmas Eve. She was so excited she started crying and hugged me so tight. That was the best feeling on Earth, more than any service medal or award I have ever won in the past.”

Bachot also met a little boy who is terminally ill with Leukemia. This little boy wanted a Playstation 3 game, but Bachot had money leftover and bought him the Playstation 4 bundle.

“He was so thankful and super-excited on Christmas that his mother sent me pictures of his emotions,” said Bachot. 

Though police brutality is a concern for some in the country, this concern does not stop the good and honest intentions of police officers working for the betterment of their community. 

“I don’t keep up with the news nor do I know of any recent police brutality,” said Bachot. “I don’t comment on things I do not know of regarding that matter. However, I will say in general, police are not the enemy. Most of us do things such as Toys for Tots, United Way or Habitat for Humanity throughout the year. My story has received warm welcomes, but police officers commit kind acts almost always. There will always be bad people in every profession. This act was done in kindness for needy families and to establish great community relations with my surrounding areas.”