"Cops Play Santa Claus Thanks to Business Owners and Residents".
By Chief Fred Maas

Just as sure as the Holiday and Christmas season approaches every year, you can find a certain area and group of officers and civilians from the police department preparing to play Santa Claus for many needy families and kids. Under the "Cops for Kids' program for the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, business owners and residents alike are informed as to the opportunity to make Christmas a bit brighter for a needy child. They are afforded the chance to donate a new, unwrapped toy for the police department to deliver just before Christmas Day to families who have been identified and selected as being in need of assistance. The police do not select who gets the gifts but rather we work with agencies of the county and local government whose job it is to identify those in need. Dade County's Dept of Human Services and several churches assisted us in this delivery program to those in need.

This program instituted by Sgt. John Wyche and several police officers just completed its second year of operation. It continues to grow and brings greater cheer every year. But it takes some thought, some time, some work, some support but mostly unselfish love of neighbor and the less fortunate. But to watch the gifts be gathered in, sorted, wrapped and then loaded up and delivered just before Christmas to a child who may otherwise get very little, is truly a gratifying feeling for those who work on the program. Of course it's always easier to sit back and let someone else do it but the "easy way" is devoid of gratification, personal fulfillment and the true spirit of love of neighbor.

And so, for not taking the easy way out but rather doing the right thing for "Kids and Cops" I would like to thank and recognize those who had any involvement in this unselfish effort. The program coordinators are Sgt. John Wyche, Officers Patty Gonzalez and Melissa Montesino, and Civilian Employee Francise Sands. Special thanks also to those who delivered flyers, notified businesses, gathered up the gifts, wrapped and delivered the gifts. Our heartfelt thanks to:

Officer Shawn Eubanks
Officer Rey Zamora
Sergeant Ray Atesiano
Ms. Sylvia Arias
Ms. Sandra Block Lovette McGill, LSW Aide to Human Services

Our very special thanks and recognition to those businesses that participated:
Sale Mania
Mac Dollar Store
99 c Plus Store

And those very special residents who read or heard about us and sent personal donations to the program Many of you wanted NO recognition or notoriety, just that "feeling" one gets when they know they did a good thing for another human being.

Merry Christmas Everyone! And a Happy New Year 2004!!

Chief Maas

*Note: More than a dozen families and several shelters were visited and benefited from this program thanks to your generosity.

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