For many people in the area, presents under the tree on Christmas morning are taken for granted.
But not everyone is so lucky. There are a growing number of local children who can’t count on the latest toy or a bicycle to be under the tree.
Four years ago, a couple of police officers thought it would be a great idea to do something special for West New York children who might not have such a “Merry Christmas.” Sgt. Mark Flores and Deputy Chief Tom O’ Donnell approached the local chapter of the Salvation Army and formed what is now known as the “Angel’s Program.”
Said Flores, “We identified those West New York children that were most in need. All the officers supported this program from the very beginning.”
Each police officer is given an “angel” or child for whom he or she specifically shops. The officer receives a “wish list” and does his or her best to fulfill the Christmas wishes of that particular child. According to Flores, most of the toys are bought in town at such stores as Kay-Bee and the Children’s Place.
According to O’Donnell, “When the program started four years ago, we had 25 children to give gifts to. This year, it’s 150.”
At first, the program focused on providing toys for the children, but two years ago, under the direction of Sgt. Flores, the program grew to include a food drive component. The officers also buy the food. This, according to Flores, is all out-of-pocket for the officers. Added Flores, “The food is distributed amongst four churches in the city: St. Joseph’s of the Palisades, the West New York Assembly of God, St. Mary’s and Christ-St. John Luthern Church.”
A snowball effect occurred and now unions are involved, including the Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA) and the Police Supervisors Association (PSA) as well as all the Town Hall employees.
Said PBA president Michael Clement, “This is a great thing for the kids.”
According to Salvation Army Captain Jose Cruz, the Salvation Army keeps a list of the names of children who visit their food banks and forwards these names to the police department.
Mr. Cruz said simply, “Thank you to the West New York Police Department.”
Reverend Daniel Johansson of the Christ-St. John Lutheran Church commented, “It’s a wonderful thing because it helps put a face of compassion on the police department. Maybe the officers out there see first-hand the real need that is out there.” He added that, “We in the church also see the help that is needed. We understand the need.”
Anyone wishing to contribute or make inquiries to the Salvation Army can call Mr. Jose Cruz at (201) 867-4093.