BY NEWS-Item Staff
SHAMOKIN - Thirty-eight area children went to bed Friday night with big smiles and big gifts after earlier attending the Shamokin and Coal Township police departments fifth annual children's Christmas party.
Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem and Shamokin City Patrolman Jarrod Scandle organized the event held at the Independence Fire Company in Shamokin.
Numerous individuals, organizations and businesses made donations that helped purchase toys, which ranged from Android Tablets to a bicycles. Santa Claus presented the gifts to the children.
Because of the growing support, the party has grown significantly over the years. Several thousand dollars of clothes and toys were given to local children this year. Pizza and beverages were also provided to children and their families.
Donors of time, money and gifts include Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths and fellow officers; Shamokin City Councilman William Milbrand, Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter, Deputy Chief Christopher Williams, Detective Jeff Brennan and fellow officers; Coal Township Board of Commissioners, road master Bill Kuzmick, police clerk Molly Engle, manager Robert Slaby, clerk Susan Burns, code enforcement officer Chris Petrovich, secretary Joann Dobeck, and tax collector Sharon Castetter; West End and Independence fire companies in Shamokin; East End Fire Company in Coal Township, GDK Development, Carriage House Studio, Joshua V. Bressi Photography; employees of Geisinger Health Plan, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 and American Legion Post 73; Scotch Valley Boys Hunting Camp, Shamokin Area Education Association, Northumberland County Career and Technology Center; Shamokin Area Middle/High School cheerleaders, National Honor Society and Indian pride club; Fairview Gun Club, Robert and Becky Brocious, Joan Jeffrey, Dave and Ruth Peck, Kimberly Brennan, Jaelyn Madara, Cameron Wayne, Raven Hornberger, Kim Turlis, Jamie Ruzicka, Heather Bolick, Veronica Moore, Devante King, Meghan Halcovich, Tina Moore, James Ridner, Danielle Wilk, Courtney Shirmer, Leah Mirolli, Jennifer Miller, Nastissja, Krystof and Katianna Lapotsky; Kathleen Wagner, Dorothy Krebs, Abbie Thew, Jim and Carol Scandle, Esther Shinskie, Kiera Griffiths, Kayleen Griffiths, Niko Vernitsky, Chelsea Matos and Dave, David and Patricia Molesevich.