Over 2,000 presents were collected wrapped and delivered to families in need
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
This is just a small portion of the toys that were donated to the West Caln Police Station for the Tpys for Tots collection over the last six weeks.
WEST CALN – Two local Girl Scout troops and officers from the West Caln police department gathered together at the township building Monday night to wrap over 2,000 brand-new, donated toys for families in need.
The department collected toys from Nov. 1 through Dec. 20. The department received so many toys, they had more than enough for the West Caln families in need and were also able to donate to the Honey Brook Borough Police Department’s Toy Drive, Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, the Wagontown Chapel and The Point in Parkesburg, where they will be distributed to even more families in need.
Toys for Tots in West Caln began in 2007 when Curt Martinez became the police chief. In 2011, Martinez requested to keep the donations and the program for families in need within the township and began working with King’s Highway Elementary School to identify families each year.
As Christmas music played in the background, officers and Girl Scouts from troops 41365 and 4961 excitedly wrapped dolls, toy trucks and cars, board games, a bike and more.
The Girl Scouts teamed up with West Caln PD for this project in 2011 when Michelle Kreger, who works with both troops, wanted her own children and the girls in the troops to be a part of the Toys for Tots experience.
“When I was a girl scout, I was a part of the Toys for Tots wrapping event held by radio station B 101.1 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia,” Kreger said. “I wanted the girls to have the same experience.”
Members of Wagontown Fire Company and West Caln PD, along with Santa Claus, were on hand to deliver the gifts to families Tuesday night.
While some families came to the police department to receive their gifts, others received their gifts Tuesday evening with lights, sirens and Santa Claus at their homes.
In addition, the Salvation Army and Township Supervisor Al Martin provided full Christmas meals to each family, which were also delivered with the presents.
“This is the best part of my job — seeing the all of the smiles from the parents and children is what makes this so special.” Martinez said.
West Caln Police would like to thank: West Caln Township, West Caln PD, Wagontown Fire Department, Salvation Army, Chiccino’s Pizza and Girl Scouts Troops 41365 and 4961.
With special thanks to: Patty Smith, Gritz Pools, Judy Albright, Steve Nicolaides and Walt Bohn with Patriot Harbor Lines.
