Holiday Happy with Bob Guttu-CPF (Santa cap)
Cleveland Police Officers from across the city came to join Santa and his elves at Ronald McDonald House to distribute toys, t-shirts and good will to kids and their families away from home because of illness. This event got its start from now-retired C.P.D. Officer John “JT” Thomas when his son was treated at the Cleveland Clinic in 1982. Thomas felt the need to throw this party then and continued every year since for all the kids fighting illnesses while away from home for the holidays.
As the kids came down to the main lobby they met with Santa Claus and were treated to a magic show by Avon P.D. Officer Jeff Stanczyk. They received toys and sang Christmas Carols with the officers. Santa visited the children upstairs who couldn’t make it down to the party while everyone filed into the cafeteria and to enjoy a delicious lunch.
When asked about the importance of this event John Thomas stated “Every year our officers look forward to providing a Christmas away from home for these kids and their families who are going through some trying times….we hope to continue this effort for the very young and young at heart for many years to come.”
Submitted by Bob Guttu (CPF)
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- Officer Jeff Stanczyk performs some majic for one of the kids
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- Santa visiting with the children at the Cops, Kids and Christmas Party at the Ronald McDonald House.
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- Santa posing with the Ronald McDonald staff
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- A holiday atmosphere at Ronald McDonald House
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- A wide variety of presents were available for the kids
