Get a toy, give a toy from the Montclair Police Department.
With Christmas right around the corner, what better way to surprise your little loved ones than with a Santa-delivered gift on a cold December night? The Montclair Police Department and PBA Local #53 will sponsor their seventh annual Santa Visit this year to spread holiday cheer to the Montclair community.
Members of the community can bring the Santa Request Form and gifts to Montclair Police Headquarters, located at 647 Bloomfield Ave., as soon as possible. Additionally, this event benefits more than just your family; along with a gift wrapped and ready to deliver to a child in your life, Montclair Police Department asks that participants also bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child in need this holiday season. The donated presents will go to the Montclair Salvation Army, The PBA County Conference and other organizations, which makes this event the perfect way to spread the magical Christmas merriment.
Through this event, Santa has visited more than 600 Montclair children over the past six years. The Montclair Police Department donated thousands of toys to children in the Montclair community, as well as to other organizations.
“Officer Westerlund and I wanted to create something special for our residents while helping out a good cause,” said Lieutenant Romito. With the help of the entire Montclair Police Department, Lieutenant Romito and Officer Westerlund pulled off the very first Santa Visit successfully, like they have done every holiday season since.
The joy and generosity from this event was heard even outside the Montclair Township borders. Alex Brands joined the cause three years ago, and according to Lieutenant Romito, they have donated thousands of toys to children since then in order to help the cause. This year, Fleet Feet Sports will participate as well. They will hold their annual Jingle Bell Run in conjunction with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and the Montclair Police Department.
The Montclair Police Department hopes that neighbors get together to share the visit as they have in the past. It brings people in the community together, and allows Santa to spend more time at each house. “If not for the support of the residents and all the hard work of the officers in the Montclair Police Department, this event would not be nearly as successful as it has become,” said Romito. “We love the joy the event brings, and more so, the good it does for those less fortunate.” Santa Claus, Santa’s helpers, presents, crisp Christmas cheer and kind community spirit – what more could you ask for around the holiday season?
This December, stop by 647 Bloomfield Ave. to team up with the Montclair Police Department and PBA Local #53. Give a toy to a child in need and, give your loved ones a visit from Santa Claus himself. The Montclair Police Department asks that gifts are a reasonable size and weight so Santa’s sleigh can accommodate all the boys and girls. Santa’s helpers will contact participants via e-mail to confirm the delivery date and time. The deliveries will be broken up into four zones:
- Area #1: South of Bloomfield Ave., West of South Fullerton Ave. and South of Draper Terr. will see Santa on Friday, Dec. 2, from 4-9 p.m.
- Area #2: North of Watchung Ave. will have a visit on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 12-9 p.m.
- Area #3: East of South and North Fullerton Ave. from Draper Terr. to Ardsley Road will see Santa on Friday, Dec. 9 from 4-9 p.m.
- Area #4: Between Bloomfield Ave. and Watchung Ave. and northwest of North Fullerton and Chestnut St. will have their visit on Friday, Dec. 11, from 12-9 p.m.
For more information, please email montclairpba53santavisit@gmail.com.
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