Still time to donate to Aspinwall's Presents from Police toy drive

Aspinwall police officers again will serve as Santa’s deputies as they and other law enforcement agencies join forces to deliver presents to children.

The 14th annual Presents from Police is underway with about 20 departments, including the Allegheny County and state police, joining in Aspinwall’s holiday efforts.

New, unwrapped gifts are being collected through Dec. 15.

Officers plan to deliver some to Sunrise School in Monroeville on Dec. 16.

A second toy distribution is set for Dec. 18 at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh.

And the last distribution is planned for Dec. 20 at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Aspinwall Deputy Chief Michael Vith said excitement is building, and he is pleased to have other departments like Sharpsburg, Indiana Township and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office assist.

“The officers, themselves, love the camaraderie (and) the fun of it,” Vith said Dec. 5. “Looking into kids’ expressions and how excited they are, and the willingness to give back to the communities. … We all do what we can do to make it a success each and every year.”

Police have built relationships with folks at the three sites over the years and make sure to collect enough donations so every child gets a gift.

Last year, police were able to fill two U-Haul box trucks full of presents. Vith hopes to one day fill a 50-foot tractor-trailer with gifts.

Sunrise School has about 130 students in grades K-12 with ages ranging from 5 to 21. It is operated by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and serves primarily children with special needs.

“Christmas is a really special time of year at all of our schools,” AIU spokesperson Sarah McCluan said.

“We are eternally grateful to our local police departments and all first responders. Not only for the things that they do for us every single day in the line of duty, but also during Christmas they go above and beyond by putting forth the effort to collect all of these gifts and deliver them to our children.

“The expression on the children’s faces when they walk into rooms filled to the brim with toys is priceless. It is truly the magic of Christmas when you get to see our friends from the local police departments and how they impact our students. It’s beautiful.”

Officers spend about two hours at each location giving gifts and interacting with the kids.

Billi Jo Huffman, chief school administrator of the Day School at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, said her nearly 200 students in K-12 are excited to see Santa and the officers.

“The Aspinwall Police Department and all of the other officers that they bring along with them are always so kind and generous and enthusiastic,” Huffman said. “They bring such a wonderful presence. The joy and excitement they bring with them is evident.”

The institute offers a variety of therapy programs and serves children from birth to 22.

Presents are delivered to the Day School with the help of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“There is more than enough for every student to get something, and sometimes they get multiple things,” Huffman said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the police to show the kindness and generosity that they have for not only their community but the community at large. It reaches so many different families and is a wonderful experience.”

Some officers bring family members on distribution days.

Vith’s youngest daughter, Ashley, a sophomore studying early education at Westminster College, has helped out the past few years.

He said it has been a great bonding experience, and he is proud of her work.

People can donate gifts at the following locations:

• Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Ave.

• Beans ‘N’ Cream, 16 Brilliant Ave.

• ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Day Spa and Skincare Salon, 17 Brilliant Ave.

• Farmers National Bank, 319 Freeport Road

• Luke and Mike’s Frontporch Grille, 235 Commercial Ave.

• Newman Chiropractic Center, 527 Shady Ave.