SAVANNAH, GA (December 16, 2014) – The second annual “Celebrate the Season” went into full gear Tuesday evening as the children from Urban Hope were hosted by Central Precinct Crime Prevention Officers APO Dana Knight and APO Barry Lewis.
Central Precinct reached out to the coordinator of Urban Hope, Mrs. Covardis Broadie and told her that they wanted to host a Christmas event for the youth at Urban Hope. Urban Hope holds a non-profit (all donation) after school program at St Paul’s on Barnard Street. Mrs. Broadie was overjoyed by the thought and agreed to let Central Precinct host. As Mrs. Broadie put it, “it’s such a blessing.”
The kids created their wish list and that list was given to the officers and civilians that work out of Central Precinct. The officer(s) and civilian staff purchased what the child asked for and brought it in so it could wrapped and placed under one of 4 small trees in the Police Squad room. Each child was also given an extra gift that was part of a toy drive presented by Chuck’s Bar on Riverstreet. The Squad room was transformed into a Toyland for the kids including a big screen playing holiday movies while they ate lunch donated by Sweet Melissa’s Pizza.
McGruff the Crime Dog posed for pictures. Magic Marc, Marc Dunston donated his time and put on some magic tricks and “magication” for the kids while Certus Bank’s, Carol Conford handed out handmade Christmas packages from the staff at Certus Bank. Some of the gifts that were collected were given to SCMPD’s Memorial Childrens Hospital Toy Drive and to Wesley Community Center.
“It was the best two hours we have had in the past month,” says Crime Prevention Officer APO Barry Lewis. “The kids were very appreciative and receptive. When they sat patiently waiting for the cue to open their gifts…just to watch their eyes open wide in amazement when the cue was given was what it was all about. I’m glad that we were given this opportunity to help and bring joy if at least for a moment.”
Crime Prevention Office, Central Precinct 2014
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