Standing from left to right, SRO Pete Sutera, Officer Chris Liacos, SRO Brenden Chipperini (Buddy the Elf), Officer Joe Parady, and Sgt. Joe Balbo in front, Sgt. Mike Cimoszko, and Senator Bruce Tarr, pose with Santa Claus and Ace the Dog at the Gloucester Elks (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Police) Toys collected during the annual holiday toy drive at the Gloucester Elks. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Police)
GLOUCESTER — Chief Edward Conley is pleased to announce that the Community Impact Unit recently completed a successful Holiday Toy Drive and Santa meet-and-greet in collaboration with Sen. Bruce Tarr and the Gloucester Elks.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Community Impact Unit’s Kops N’ Kids Program hosted a free public event at the Gloucester Elks, where over 200 local children met Santa Claus, enjoyed festive holiday treats, and connected with Gloucester Police.
The Community Impact Unit celebrated organizing its fifth annual Santa visit, held for the first time at the Gloucester Elks and featuring a new partnership with Senator Bruce Tarr’s North Shore & Merrimack Valley Holiday Toy Drive
The Community Impact Unit collected toys throughout November, including a Stuff-a-Cruiser event held during Tarr’s Holiday Toy Drive Live Stream Broadcast at the Cape Ann Savings Bank on Friday, Dec. 5. All toys collected by the Community Impact Unit were donated by Senator Tarr’s Holiday Toy Drive directly to the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund, which provides support for more than 1,250 children living in Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester by the Sea, Essex, and Ipswich.
“The Gloucester Police Department graciously thanks Sen. Tarr, the Gloucester Elks, and all donors and visitors who made this event possible and a success,” said Chief Conley. “The generosity and kindness of those who donated ensures that this will be nothing short of a magical holiday season for all children throughout the region.”
“Thank you to the Gloucester Police Department’s Community Impact Unit for a successful partnership with the North Shore and Merrimack Holiday Toy Drive, bringing a brighter holiday season to children throughout Cape Ann. The unit, working with the Gloucester Lodge of Elks, created a magical and festive environment for kids to meet Santa that inspired families to contribute hundreds of toys. Thanks to the leadership and dedication of Sgt. Joseph Balbo, Officer Joe Parady, and our school resource officers—Officer Brendan Chipperini, Officer Peter Sutera, and Officer Michael Scola—this impressive event came together, bringing joy to so many. Through their collective efforts, children who need it most will experience the care, generosity, and sense of community that define the holiday season,” said Senator Tarr.
For those who were unable to attend this event in person but are interested in learning more about meaningful ways to support children in need this holiday season, visit https://capeannkids.org/ for more information
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