Dozens of New Jersey Police Departments Team Up for Massive Toy Drive to Benefit Local Children in Need – CBS New York

CLOSTER, NJ (CBSNewYork) – This is about to be a great vacation for needy kids in New Jersey.

It’s all thanks to the police departments coming together once again in an annual effort to give back.

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The Closter Fire Department has emptied its fire station to make room for gifts galore. Santa’s helpers unloaded trucks full of toys for children in need on Friday.

“We’re trying to make the magic happen,” said retired Police Sgt. De Closter. said Don Nicoletti.

Nicoletti has been the man behind magic for over three decades.

“Thirty-three years ago Closter started a toy drive, and we only had a handful of men and women picking up toys, and our goal was to go to Tomorrows Children and bring a few bags, ”Nicoletti told CBS2’s Jenna DeAngelis.

It has since grown into a massive effort known as the PBA Toy Drive, involving 60 police departments from Bergen County and beyond, known as “Santa’s Response Team”.

“The point is to give,” said Paramus Police Lt. Jimmy Tehan.

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“What I love is that it really involves all of the police departments in the county,” said retired police dispatcher Kathy Goldrick.

“Over the years I have brought my son here just to see the good work law enforcement does on behalf of communities and also to really give him a lifelong lesson in giving back,” Fairlawn Police Officer Michael O’Brien said. .

Gifts go to military families, shelters and patients at several local children’s hospitals.

“Being able to make them smile and bring them toys, bring them things, that’s what was worth it,” said Fairlawn police officer Luis Vasquez.

Giants football player Jonotthan Harrison is helping first responders this year.

“It means a lot just because I feel like people are losing track of those who may be less fortunate,” he said. “This is just a great cause. “

All in a spirit of giving, what the holiday season really is.

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After the group sorted the gifts on Friday, they were picked up or delivered to more than 50 different organizations, including children’s hospitals.