Aspinwall's Presents From Police toy drive underway

For the better part of a decade the Aspinwall Police Department has made it a point to help provide children with special needs and health issues have a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday.

This year is no exception.

The 11th annual Presents From Police toy drive has begun.

“It’s to help kids around the holidays or (kids who) can’t make it home for the holidays,” Chief Dave Nemec said. “Kind of help alleviate parents’ (worries) of getting out there and make sure their kids have presents. … Most parents want their kids to have a good Christmas. So, we’re here to help the parents.

“Every year it gets bigger and better. Every year there’s more departments that want to join. Every year there’s more officers that want to help out.

”Every year it seems to grow.”

Nemec said the program has grown from eight officers to about 60. Other departments that have partnered to participate include Hampton, Upper St. Clair, Pittsburgh, Shaler, Etna, Pittsburgh Regional Transit and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office.

This year’s collection will benefit youths at Sunrise School in Monroeville, The Children’s Institute and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Nemec said officers will not be able to physically deliver the gifts to the hospital due to covid protocols and surges in the respiratory illness RSV. Police will be able to visit the other two locations this year.

Sunrise School Principal Marisa Esposto said she is looking forward to her students meeting officers and seeing their reaction to the gifts.

“We’re grateful to law enforcement throughout the region for their time and generosity collecting hundreds of toys each year for our students,” she said. “It brings a smile to all our kids’ faces. It’s truly amazing to see how much they do for our kids. It’s always overwhelming.

“This December marks our fifth year holding the Sunrise Presents From Police event, and it’s always great seeing students open gifts and interact with police. It’s a wonderful send off for winter break.”

Toy collection is scheduled through Dec. 15.

New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at these locations:

• Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.

• Aspinwall Beans ‘n’ Cream, 16 Brilliant Ave.

• Farmers National Bank, 319 Freeport Road.

• Fox Chapel Chiropractic and Wellness, 50 Freeport Road

• ESSpa Organic Skincare + Salon, 17 Brilliant Ave.

• 321 Blink, 1881 Main St. in Sharpsburg.

Eva Kerschbaumer, owner of ESSpa, said her business has participated in the toy drive since its inception. For her, it’s a very personal commitment.

“Growing up with nothing in communist Hungary, it was always a dream to get something for Christmas,” she said. “Even the simplest toy was a big deal.

“Aspinwall has accepted me as one of their own, and I just try to give back and help this neighborhood as much as I possibly can. Our police and fire department spend their lives protecting our lives, and I am honored to help any way I can.”

Presents are expected to be distributed Dec. 19.

Checks can be made out to Presents From Police, 840 Grand Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.