Page 40 - January 2020 FOP Magazine

Lunch with Santa serves up holiday spirit
n PHOTOS BY JAMES PINTO
When it comes to kicking off the holiday season, nothing
says “Merry Christmas” quite like the Chicago FOP Family Auxiliary Lunch with Santa.
The spirit, camaraderie and literal magic of this event are what make the Lunch with Santa a tradition for many fam- ilies who have attended for more than a decade — with no plans to stop.
“We’ve seen kids that are now grown up and are police of- ficers bringing their kids,” Angie Haynes, the auxiliary pres- ident who not only organizes the event but bakes all of the cookies for it, shared. “They come and keep saying they’re never going to miss it.”
On Dec. 7, the highly anticipated tradition continued at the FOP Hall, where Chicago Police Department officers and their families gathered for an afternoon of holiday celebra- tion.
“It can be hard to get a holiday off for these police officers,” Haynes noted. “I feel this is something they can do with their families that would start the holiday spirit.”
The Christmas cheer began as soon as the families arrived at the event, where they were promptly given Santa hats and invited to participate in a holiday sing-along led by Chicago FOP Financial Secretary Mike Garza.
Before meeting the big man in the red suit, children gath-
ered for a thrilling magic show and enjoyed a lunch provided by the auxiliary. Families then took turns taking pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and each of the children were given a special treat to take home.
Parents and children also participated in raffles that awarded exciting prizes and gifts.
This unifying holiday event once again brought families together during the busiest time of year, spreading support and cheer to those who know what it’s like to sacrifice time with loved ones to serve the community.
“This is your union, these are the people that will stand be- hind you,” Haynes explained. “This event makes it possible to have a holiday season and spend time with your kids while working odd hours on the job.”
40 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2020