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Downtown Chicago receives holiday cheer from 4th District officers
This year, excitement bubbled through the air as Santa’s sleigh, led by 4th District officers, glided through downtown Chicago. Filled with thousands of toys collected from their an- nual Toys for Tots fundraiser in a trailer, members checked their list more than twice to ensure children in need would receive a glimpse of holiday cheer on Dec. 23.
Sergeant Steven Haltek, who oversees the CAPS team, joined in on the surprise as they stopped at daycare facilities, family welfare centers and other places in the city. The surprise visit from Santa’s sleigh included officers dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and elves.
“The response from the children and the employees of the facilities was phenomenal,” Haltek said. “Most of the time they were in tears.”
Working beside the 20 other officers who set aside time with their family this holiday season to help spread joy, Haltek re- flected on how much it truly meant to him to be a part of this incredible experience.
“I was in awe,” he said. “I couldn’t have been any more appre- ciative of all the work that the officers of the 4th District did. I was just proud to be a part of it, and I was proud that they took me on that journey and allowed me to ride with them. It was
Blue Santas out in force in 6th District
Members of the community, including many children, waited in anticipation by their windows on Dec. 16 for the sight they would be sure to remember this holiday season. Walking down the street, their arms filled with presents of all sizes, 6th District officers dressed in royal blue Santa hats and suits brought a lit- tle joy to every girl and boy they encountered.
Like a special unit for the Department Blue Santas made the rounds in 006 to spread a lit-
tle holiday cheer and bond
with the residents they serve
every day. And the reward the officers came for on this day was there in abundance. As the officers departed from each house, residents cheered loudly for them as they waved goodbye.
phenomenal.”
After driving throughout the city from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., all
the toys were delivered. For Haltek and his fellow officers, this is what Christmas is all about.
“We were just trying to bring the joy of Christmas to the resi- dents of the 4th District,” Haltek said. “We wanted to make sure that every child that we could reach out to would the experi- ence, the joy of Christmas and the joy of the holiday season.”
Seniors enjoy holiday party from officers in 017
Officers in the 17th district hosted a Senior Holiday Luncheon Party at the La Villa Restaurant Lounge and Banquets on Nov. 30. Seniors received gift bags and had the chance to enjoy music and food at the banquet hall. The District has an active senior group of 50 to 80 seniors, many of whom have been members for more than 10 years.
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