West Trenton - Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced that today marks the first of several events in which Troopers and civilian staff will assist the US Marines with their “Toys for Tots” program and help Santa distribute gifts to underprivileged children.

     Colonel Fuentes persuaded Old Saint Nick to trade in his sled for a high-performance, police package Crown-Vic to help highlight the holiday activities with a visit to the State Police Museum & Learning Center at Division HQ in West Trenton at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16.

     "No child should be denied the joy of the holiday season," Fuentes said. "This year, the New Jersey State Police has contacted the North Pole to request a special visit from Santa. On Tuesday, Santa will arrive by Trooper car at the Division Headquarters in time to drop off toys to visiting children."

     In its fourteenth year, the annual holiday celebration has become a State Police tradition. The fun filled event is sponsored by the Superior Officers' Association; the Non-Commissioned Officers' Association; and the State Troopers Fraternal Association and the civilian and enlisted staff of the State Police. State Police volunteers on Tuesday will serve holiday treats to children from the Mt. Carmel Guild Day Care Center. Immediately after their snack, "Santa" will present each girl and boy with a toy and stocking filled with special gifts.

     Later this week, State Police personnel will gather at the Troop "A" Headquarters in Buena Vista, Atlantic County and Troop "B" Headquarters in Totowa, Passaic County to turn over toys to the US Marines "Toys for Tots" program. Troopers at those locations collected toys from the stations covering the northern and southern thirds of the state. (Call State Police PIU for details)

     Additionally, State Police stations from across New Jersey have identified and adopted needy area families to help ensure a happy holiday. Station personnel are arranging the purchase of gift certificates to be distributed to the adopted families in time for Santa's visit.

# # #

PHOTOS

Tpr. Tom Cavallo, known throughout the state for his renditions of the Star Spangled Banner, sings holiday songs with children from the Mt. Carmel Guild Day Care Center during a holiday party at State Police headquarters in West Trenton.

Lt. Annemarie DeAngelo-Grant with K-9 "Buster" bring a very furry Christmas to the children of Mt. Carmel Guild Day Care Center during a holiday party at State Police headquarters in West Trenton.

Santa brings some gifts and holiday joy to some children of Mt. Carmel Guild Day Care Center during a holiday party at State Police headquarters in West Trenton.