Gifts for Kids program accepting donations
State police in Uniontown is accepting donations for its annual Gifts For Kids program.
Started in the early 1980s, the program provides Christmas presents to children from kindergarten to third grade.
Each year, the program goes into different districts to distribute the toys to each student in those grades, Sgt. Joseph D’Andrea said.
D’Andrea, who has worked with the program for a number of years, said that at least one bicycle and helmet is given away in each of the schools police visit to distribute toys. That bicycle is given to an underprivileged student, he said.
As part of the program, police talk to the students about the importance of safety belts, booster seats and helmets.
D’Andrea said that police strive to make sure that the students have a positive interaction with them, and realize that police are there to help.
“All of the work put into it is worth it once you get out there and give those presents to the kids,” D’Andrea said. “It’s worth it to see the expressions on their faces.”
Last year, police distributed 2,265 toys to children, and this year, they hope to give out 3,000 toys, D’Andrea said.
Donations from businesses and citizens in Fayette County make the program possible.
Any questions or donations can be directed to D’Andrea, Trooper Greg Peck, Trooper Stefani Plume, or Clerk Victoria Weightman, all of whom work to make it possible yearly, D’Andrea said.