York Police Association spreads joy to those who need it most
YORK — The decade-long tradition of caring for children continues with the York Police Association’s Christmas Giving Tree.
“Seventeen families, close to 50 people will be showered with good cheer on Christmas, including essentials like warm clothes and boots and toys and gift cards to favorite stores and restaurants,” said Peg Scamman, who works in the administrative office of the York Police Department.
Beyond bringing joy into the homes and hearts of those who need it most, Scamman said the program teaches adults and children alike the tremendous power of giving.
“We’ve tried for a long time to help those who are in need. And we do just that with this Giving Tree. The community really likes it because parents bring their children in to the station to select a tag on the tree and buy another child a gift," she said. “We are teaching them first it’s the thought of giving the gift and then the actual giving of the gift and then we ask ‘How does it feel to give.’ “
The office where Scamman, Virginia Avery, Kim Phoenix and Kelly MacNeil manage the details of the police department is packed with toys, some piled high to the ceiling, others crowding Scamman’s desk. Play Dough, Silly Putty, Lego's, trucks, dolls and the like are ready for MacNeil’s magic touch: she wraps each gift with care, bows and fanfare, Scamman said. The ladies credit Chief Doug Bracy for allowing them the time to manage this project for the YPA.
“This is what Christmas is all about — the kids,” said Avery. “We have a great community. So many generous people keep coming in and helping us make this year’s effort a success for 17 families.”
Maine Coast Live Lobsters, the Anchorage Inn, Stonewall Kitchen, the York School Department, the Masons and many, many others have made it their business to sponsor entire families, offer financial donations, gifts and more gifts to brighten each child’s holiday.
And with the stress of everyday living, the parents in the 17 families humbly receive all this kindness and many admit this is just what they need at this time of year.
“We deliver big black bags of wrapped gifts each labeled with the children’s names on them while the children are still at school. It’s an amazing thing to witness the response from the parents. It is really, really positive. They are quick to send thank you cards and often cry when the gifts are dropped off. They give us a list and don’t really expect what comes to really come,” said Scamman. “It makes us all feel so good to help provide a happy Christmas to these families.”
The York Police Association also offers holiday cheer to those living at Durgin Pines, Sentry Hill and York Hospital by bringing the York Chamber Singers and Santa Claus by with gifts of sweets and fruit on Christmas week. Also, the YPA offers seniors at the Senior Center with a delicious hot holiday meal cooked by police department staff.