Howell Local 228 donates to deliver
Each year, Howell Local 228 works closely with local business owners
and the Senior Services Department to identify elderly residents who are
either home-bound or without families to spend the holidays with. The
day before Thanksgiving this year, uniformed Howell law enforcement officers delivered complete holiday meals to residents’ homes in the area.
This event originated almost two decades ago by local business owners
in Howell who noticed that Meals on Wheels was not delivering to some
of their community members in need on the holidays. These individuals
took it upon themselves to gather food and ingredients from community
volunteers. Local 228 stepped in soon after to make sure all the meals were
delivered in a timely fashion, by the hands of the men and women who
serve the community. The tradition has continued ever since.
This year, approximately 150 meals were delivered to homes of the elderly. Howell volunteers and Mayor-elect Theresa Berger also helped to
make this large effort possible. Excess food donations were delivered to
the local homeless population and a nearby women’s advocacy group. d
Howell’s uniformed officers gather together before delivering meals to the homes of elderly residents.
Elderly men and women welcomed Howell officials into their
homes, happy to have such thoughtful deliveries.
Holiday meals packed in brown bags decorated by kids in the
community.
A strike for holiday spirit
In the beginning of December, Howell Local 228 hosted its annual bowling party for the special needs children of Howell Public
Schools. Roughly 140 children came out to spend a morning of
fun and games at the Howell Lanes bowling alley with uniformed
Howell law enforcement officers.
Local 228 collaborated with area special education teachers
and the Howell Board of Education to organize bus transportation
to the bowling alley for the students. The kids enjoyed a catered
breakfast, served and staffed by volunteers from Friedman Chiropractic, a local spine and sports care facility. At the end of the
event, the kids lined up to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children then were guided through the building to Santa’s toy room,
where they each were able to pick a toy to take home.
This holiday tradition brings great joy to the Howell Police Department and the town volunteers who take part each year in creating this irreplaceable holiday experience for special needs kids
in their community. d
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ DECEMBER 2016