CLEVELAND - During the holidays, many things seem expensive and overwhelming for families. Thanks to a special visit from Santa and his elves to the Cleveland Police Department, the Christmas magic became a reality for many families this year.
Officers from the First District of Cleveland Police collected more than ever—$10,000—to give hundreds of gifts to families in the area.
One by one, on Thursday evening, children came and voiced their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. This kind act helped Maureen buy gifts for her children Noy, Nora, and Nathan.
“It makes our season a little brighter,”—said Maureen, who lives in the Kamm's Corners area.
The little ones happily unwrap their presents on Christmas morning.
“Many of these children wouldn’t have Christmas without our help,”—said Officer Kerry Adams of the First District Cleveland Police Public Relations Department.
One hundred children received the items they wished for. Officer Adams added: “Some officers, when they saw a needy family during patrol, directed them to me.”
“It brings a lot of emotions, children have grown up, gifts cost more. Life has become a little more complicated than usual, so all of this is pleasant and necessary,”—said April Parker, who lives nearby.
April's children do not yet know what gifts await them, but they are happy. The older one is very happy because he received large boxes; he does not understand what is happening because he didn’t expect to get a gift.
These big gifts awakened the inner child in the boy, restoring part of Christmas magic.
“Children have grown up and lost touch. But they need to know that at Christmas, you should have love in your heart and just be happy,”—says April.
The Cleveland Police First District raised more than twice as much this year thanks to partnerships with Ganin Company and Browns Backers.
