Coplay Sports’ goals have been to create valuable memories, personal development and fun for the borough’s community of kids and families since its founding in 1955.

The organization took part in two holiday initiatives as it continues to further those goals.

Its annual Santa parade was held Dec. 18.

The parade is a decadeslong tradition that delivers presents to Coplay families and serves as a memory maker for the children. Dedicated Coplay Sports volunteers cover every street in the borough. They have conducted the parade even in the coldest weather.

The Coplay Fire Department and Coplay Police Department assist Coplay Sports with coordinating the parade. The holiday sled was pulled by a pickup truck as Santa gave the children presents and his elves handed out candy treats.

The Santa parade started 9 a.m. and continued until 5 p.m.

Coplay Sports also took part in the Toys for Tots program for the second year. Coplay Sports President Wes Christman said they are delighted to participate in the collection efforts.

The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 as the brain child of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, whose wife, Diane, was the real inspiration. She hand made dolls and asked Bill to deliver them to an organization that supported kids in need.

Bill returned with the dolls and told Diane he could not find such an organization. She told him to start one.

Hendricks assembled his Marines associates and collected and distributed 5,000 toys in 1947. Currently, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program collects approximately 18 million toys nationwide that get distributed to about 7 million less fortunate children annually.

Joining the Toys for Tots program helps Coplay Sports fulfill its mission and echo a quote by Mahatma Ghandi: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

Visit coplaysports.org to volunteer, coach or donate to help sustain the 67-year-old organization, which is considered by many in Coplay to be a jewel in the community.