TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Tarpon Cops, Firefighters Getting Into Holiday Spirits

ADVERTISEMENT

By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 24, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - For the 17th straight Christmas, Tarpon Springs Police will make sure the city's neediest children get a visit from Santa.

Its Cops and Kids program was established to augment the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program when donations fell short of the needs in the community in 1990.

Since that time, many area residents and business people have made it a holiday tradition to support the toy drive, Judy Staley, the city's information officer, wrote in a press release.

Last year, Cops and Kids provided gifts to more than 300 children in low-income families in the city. Department volunteers match toys to each individual child's letter to Santa.

Toys are donated from a variety of sources including individuals, civic groups and businesses. Some donate cash to assist the program in meeting the specific requests on the Christmas wish lists of these children.

The program gives the children an opportunity to visit with Santa when they receive their gifts. Santa also visits developmentally disabled adults and needy elderly residents to deliver holiday cheer and gifts.

Those wishing to donate can send checks to or visit Tarpon Springs Police Department, 444 South Huey Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 or contact the Police Department at 727-938-2840.

Not to be outdone in holiday spirit, Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue is now accepting donations of nonperishable food items and monetary donations for its 14th annual Christmas food drive.

Donated food items are packaged for distribution to local needy families during the holiday season. The holiday food drive is conducted by Lt. Cindy Parker and the Fire Explorers in memory of the late Demos Megaloudis.

Megaloudis, who for many years operated a downtown business, New York Cleaners and Tailors, was a local civic booster and friend of the Fire Department.

Last year, firefighters gave food baskets to about 100 needy families. Food baskets will be distributed on December 15 after the Christmas Parade.

Donations may be dropped off at the Public Safety Facility, 444 Huey Ave. S. or in the lobby at City Hall, 324 E. Pine St.

For more information about the Fire Department's holiday efforts call 727-938-3737.

Once again this year, the Fire Department will coordinate Santa's visit to Tarpon Springs.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT