BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

Christmas for 36 Parkland elementary students was made much brighter thanks to South Whitehall Police Department’s “Heroes for the Holiday” shopping spree on Dec. 15, 2023.

South Whitehall Police Sgt. Jason Grozier said “Heroes for the Holidays” is named for the children who think about those in their families, and purchase gifts for them.

Each child was given $300 for the shopping spree.

“During the shopping event, children are paired with officers who help in picking out holiday gifts for the children’s families,” Grozier said. “They will select gifts for themselves and family members, all the while building positive experiences with officers.

“This event is a reward for their positive attitudes, behavior, and generosity.

“‘Heroes for the Holidays,’ which fosters strong community relationship, is funded by South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships, the Parkland Education Foundation, Target and Dorney Park.”

Approximately 60 uniformed police officers from South Whitehall and Upper Macungie and Pa. State Police partnered with the children for a fun-filled day of shopping at Target, South Whitehall.

After shopping, everyone was treated to a lunch of chicken fingers, mac and cheese, French fries, chocolate chip cookies, and beverages at Chickie’s and Pete’s at Dorney Park, South Whitehall.

Santa Claus visited while the youngsters wrapped their gifts.

Director of Communications and Community Engagement Nicole Mehta McGalla for the school district, said the students were from nine elementary schools.

“The event was great,” McGalla said. “It is always such a heartwarming experience to see so many people coming out to support our students and the police force.

“We love that the police organize this activity to help strengthen relationships between children and the police, as well as to give back to the community in such a meaningful and personal way by shopping for the children’s entire family together.”

Giovanni Irizarry, executive team leader with Assets Protection at Target offered his comments.

“We have hosted this event every year with South Whitehall Township Police,” Irizarry said. “The only years we were not able to participate was during the pandemic.

“They have been great partners with our store, and we love to support our local police department.”

Target donated snacks and drinks for the kids and officers and gift cards to help any kids who went over budget.

“We all feel it was a big success! Not only were the kids and officers having a great time, but the guests that were shopping in the store also felt the impact from their local police department,” Irizarry said. “It was a great opportunity for the people of this community to see how South Whitehall gives back to the community and helps support those in need and showcases that Target is willing to partner and support the local police department as well.”

Upper Macungie Township Community Service Officer Julia Poapst said 11 officers including patrol, detectives, sergeants, and command staff from the police department participated in this year’s event.

“Heroes for the Holidays is one of our police department’s favorite events all year, and we will never say no to the opportunity to participate in such a fantastic event,” she said. “We look forward to spending time with the students and bringing joy to their faces.

“It is also an excellent way for our law enforcement officers to interact positively and let the children know we are always here to help them.

“As we saw all the smiling faces, we knew this year was successful, just as years passed.

“The feedback we received showed that the officers and children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and made memories that would last a lifetime.

“Upper Macungie Township Police Department would like to thank all those who donated and participated in such an amazing event for the children.

Pa. State Police Trooper First Class Nathan T. Branosky, public information officer, with Troop M, Bethlehem, commented on the troopers’ participation.

“Troop M Troopers team up with police officers from South Whitehall Township and Upper Macungie townships every year for ‘Heroes for the Holidays’ to mentor and converse with the kids we serve in the community,” he stated.

“It is a great way to get to know the kids and for the kids to get to know Troopers and talk to them for advice and issues they may be having in their life.”

He said Trooper Ryan Seiple, Cpl. Pete Del Gaizo, Cpl. Suzanne Creelman, and Trooper Mike Rogers took part this year.

“South Whitehall Township Police Department does a phenomenal job at planning and organizing this event every year so kids have a Christmas they will remember and enjoy,” Branosky said. “Troopers look forward to attending this event every year and enjoy the interaction with the kids and community that we serve.”

Lisa Ervin, executive director, Parkland Education Foundation, discussed the group’s participation.

“The Parkland Education Foundation has been supporting ‘Heroes for the Holidays’ event for many years,” Ervin said. “It is a favorite event of our organization to support.

“The foundation donated $1,500 along with $400 in Target gift cards.

“This year’s event was great, as always.

“Sgt. Jason Grozier does an amazing job coordinating everything.”

Foundation board members and employees attending this year’s event included Ervin, board President Tori Morgan, member Bret Lesavoy, administrative assistant Laura Scobell, event coordinator Liz Zemyan, school board liaison and board member Carol Facchiano, board members Corey Bergstein and Donna Reinert and McGalla.

Dorney Park Manager of Communications Ryan Eldredge thanked those who made the day possible for the children.

“We would like to thank South Whitehall Township and the many community partners and volunteers who stepped up to help make this year’s event special for the children in our community.”

Eldredge said a dozen employees from the Dorney Park Care Team helped execute the event.

“The Care Team is a group of volunteers who expand our mission to create better fun for a better world beyond our park boundaries,” he explained.

Katrina Sundstrom, executive director of Parkland Cares, said they are honored to be a part of this year’s ‘Heroes for the Holiday.’

“It is a true joy to be able to give back during this special time of year,” she said. “We donated family fun gift bags with blankets, Rice Krispie treats, popcorn, cookie mix and hot chocolate.”

Elizabeth Kennedy, wife of former Parkland School Board Vice President David Kennedy spoke with The Press.

“My husband, David, and I have been very blessed to sponsor Parkland children for the past several years,” she stated. “Unfortunately, this will be our last year as we have moved out of the area to be closer to our grandson.”

Also participating were Cetronia Ambulance EMT Hannah Meyers and Paramedic Colin Brown.