Dear Editor:
From November 1st through December 2nd, The Hoboken Police and Fire Departments had several drop locations for our annual toy drive which was coordinated in partnership with the Hoboken Special Needs Parents Group. On Thursday, December 10th, we invited the public to bring their toys to police headquarters for a full day of toy collection. We were fortunate enough to have the assistance of Wallace School Peer Leaders to encourage people to stop by.
With the generosity displayed by the community, both residents and visitors alike, made this event successful. A party was held by invitation only where Santa paid a visit and provided gifts to all! These events would not have been possible without the dedication of Lieutenant Gino Jacobelli, who ran the “Fill the Bus”event with the assistance of Dispatcher Feliciano Santos, and Kellie Frey. He was also assisted on this day by Detective Vito Gigante, Hoboken Firemen Joe Piccinini, Steve Scrivani, and Mark Calbismonte and Dispatcher Sue Dishuk and her family.
I would also like to thank Hoboken Fire Captain Nick Goldsack and his family for volunteering several hours of their time to help separate and distribute the toys, in addition to firemen Patrick Cappiello, Kevin Greene, Joshua Pinnero and Matthew Velez. Also to Jenna Caraballo, Jack, and Tony and JJ Dishuk for their community service. A thank you to Santa Claus and his elves for taking the trip from the North Pole to deliver to our Hoboken families.
I would also like to thank a few other people for their help in making all of these events possible. Dena Russell, for organizing several locations in town to utilize as drop off locations. My Gym, World of Wonder Daycare, Hudson Tea Building, and Urban Jungle Play for allowing us to use space from their businesses to drop off toys. Also to Director Leo Pelligrini for the use of the Multi Service Center facilities, to Sharon Malenda for the beautiful advertisement posters, Acme for the hot chocolate and dessert donations, Tony’s Bakery for their food donation, and the Hoboken MC’S for their generous toy donations.
It is wonderful to have the police and fire department work together with the community to assist those in need during the holiday season. We look forward to working with you in the months and years to come.
Merry Christmas!
Sergeant Melissa Gigante
Hoboken Police Department