Leetsdale police ready to host 8th annual drive-thru gift giveaway

Leetsdale police officers are ready to give away some holiday spirit.

They’re preparing for their eighth annual drive-thru gift giveaway, with Santa making a special stop at the Leetsdale VFW Post 3372 from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 21.

The event is designed to provide presents to borough youth and help them have a merry Christmas.

“We normally get anywhere between 20 to 30 kids that participate in the drive-thru-event,” police Chief Dan Raible said.

He said each child receives two or three toys, depending on what is available for their age and gender and what donations are received.

It is open to all children of Leetsdale up to 12 years of age.

The event is coordinated by Officer William Dreyer.

Families that wish to participate need to contact Dreyer by Dec. 5.

Call 724-266-1397, ext. 207, or email dreyer@leetsdaleboro.net with children’s information.

People who wish to donate new unwrapped presents can do so at a variety of locations throughout the borough.

Raible said the event has been a success every year since its inaugural one thanks to community support.

“When we started this event, I used to get a large donation from an individual organization,” the chief said. “Unfortunately, that organization has since moved on. In order to keep the tradition going, we began collection/donation boxes at a few locations throughout town with great success.

“This year, with the assistance of a few residents from Leetsdale, we have more donation boxes than ever. I expect a very good turnout from all of the businesses, their employees, residents and those that pass through any one of the listed donation locations at any given time.”

Said Raible: “It truly is a blessing to see the generosity of people when it comes to the gift of giving. It never ceases to amaze me.

”The surprise and excitement on a child’s face when getting toys not only from a police officer, but Santa Claus as well, always brings huge smiles to my face as it does the officers of my department. So much so, other than the officer that is on-duty, we all donate our time to separate/package the toys and then distribute on the day of.”

Mayor Sandra Ford also plans to be a part of the occasion.

“I think it’s great that the officers are doing this,” Ford said. “It puts the police in a better light with kids, so they are not afraid of the police. You don’t want kids growing up to be afraid of the police.

“They deal a lot with the people in Leetsdale, and they know the kids that really need a Christmas gift. They want to make it happier for them, and they feel good doing it, too. I hope we can do this forever.”