SOUTH BRUNSWICK – South Brunswick police officers spent their own money to bring an early Christmas on Dec. 22 to families staying at an area motel.
The officers supplied presents for 19 children and surprised everyone by dropping the presents along with food and drinks to Travelers Inn on Route 130 in the Dayton section of town.
“We see these families in the motel and know these are difficult times. We wanted to do more for them, so we pooled our money together to buy gifts and food for them,” Officer Christine Harris, who organized the effort, said in a statement provided by the South Brunswick Police Department. “It was great to be able to bring some joy to so many kids and let them know that we care.”
Harris said the gifts were a team effort by officers Tom Spilatore, Dan Rodriguez, Dan Martinez, Rob Marrese, Jason Stonkus and Brooke Goetz, along with sergeants John Penney and Roger Tuohy.
Earlier in the week, South Brunswick PBA Local 166 donated four boxes of toys to Foster & Adoptive Family Services.
Chief Raymond Hayducka praised all the efforts by officers to make a difference in the community.
“Day in and day out I see firsthand the outstanding work of our officers. These efforts just further show the extent officers are willing to go to make sure children have some joy this Christmas. It is work like this that further strengthens our partnership with the community,” he said.
