<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Santa Claus is getting a little help from some police officers in Lycoming County. They're making sure less fortunate families and children in the Jersey Shore area have a nice holiday.With just one week until Christmas, members of the Jersey Shore Police Department are busy wrapping gifts. It's their annual holiday program for the needy.Officer Marlin Angelo started the effort six years ago when he noticed some families couldn't buy gifts for their children."It really hit me hard. Wow, some people don't have anything at Christmas," Officer Angelo said.So he went to work, asking needy families in the area what they'd like and asking the community to support him. Over the years, his program has grown to serve over 60 families and 200 children.The toys collected aren't just any old toys. The officers said the children have made a list. The officers have checked it twice. So the children get exactly what they want for Christmas."(It) requires a lot of money because we buy X-Boxes, PS2s, Game Cubes. I drove to Scranton to get a wooden birdhouse, certain birdhouse a kid wanted. .. It was only seven dollars, but I drove to Scranton to get it. That's how particular we are in getting exactly what the kid wants. That's what makes the program so special," Angelo explained.There's food for families too. Community volunteers like Mary Hendricks bought turkeys and all the fixings so families can have a good meal."(It) kind of brought back memories of how people helped us, a family of eight children, and made sure that we had things for Christmas," Hendricks said.Officers said they'd appreciate your support this holiday season. They'll gladly accept a donation at the borough police department to support the program.</div><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Jersey Shore Police Officer Marlin Angelo, 42, Williamsport, has been with the department for 8 years.In 2001, He started the Jersey Shore Police Christmas Program, which buys Christmas gifts for the needy families in the Jersey Shore area.He recently agreed to do a one-on-one interview with The Express to discuss his position and raise awareness of the program he runs.Q: Tell me about yourself.A: "I was born in Williamsport. I was a police officer in Watsontown for five years before I came here. In addition to being a Jersey Shore Police Officer. I'm also a Military Policeman for the Naval Reserves. I'm an avid basketball player. I played throughout junior and senior high school, and I still love to play."Q: Why did you become a Police Officer?A: " Growing up there was a police officer in my neighbor hood in Williamsport, and he was someone that all the kids looked up to. He'd always take the time during his patrol to talk to us kids, and I thought 'when I grow up that's what I want to do."Q: What inspired you to start the Christmas Program?A: Being in some of the homes in town, I've seen some very low-income houses, and I thought I'd like to do something to help the kids of these families. I was in one house and they didn't have any living room furniture at all. They only had furniture in the kitchen. There were 10 kids living in that house. I had to do something- I've always had a soft spot for kids."Q: Do you have any special stories from your experience program?A: "In 2002, I had a family that was in some really bad times. The lady had teenage boys that wanted an X-Box in the worst way. It was the day before Christmas Eve, money from donations was getting low, and I said to Mary, our secretary, I'm getting these kids this X-Box no matter what, even if I have to pay for it myself.' I went to buy this X-Box anyway. I bought it with my own money, since we were out of donations. I just had a feeling it would work out somehow."When I returned to the station with the X-Box. 'Mary says 'You're never going to believe this ... A lady from Bethlehem stopped in who was visiting family in the area. She read about your program in the paper and thought it was a great thing. She donated $200. ' The X-Box cost $199.99. It amazed me that god blessed us with this woman. Her donation covered the cost of the X-Box. It was a Christmas Miracle."Q: Any final thoughts?A: "If anyone needs help, please don't hesitate to call us. We'll do anything we can to help you."</div>I thought I would share, In case anybody is wondering we live in Williamsport but my dad is a police officer in Jersey Shore. That's where the program is used. It's about 45 minutes away from us. It's a pretty poor town.
Your dad seems like a real good guy Balla. It's reading stuff like this that really makes me feel bad for those who don't have that support from a fatherly figure. Having a good realationship with my dad, and I'm guessing your dad has a great influence on you, it's a shame some people don't get that.
Wow, your dad seems really cool, Tony. I've always heard about people doing stuff like this but I've never known somebody who is actually related to one. It's a pretty cool thing that people like your dad are willing to help those less fortunate when nobody else wants to.
That is pretty cool, my parents get in the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post every once in a while because they both played important roles in the closing of Rocky Flats, a former like nuclear testing center and they do other jobs now.
Man, We wrapped over 200 presents tonight... We had a lot of help though. Me, Melanie, My sister, My dad, Some other police officers.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BALLAHOLLIC? @ Dec 20 2006, 07:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I agree with you here, I couldn't imagine not having my dad.</div>Me too...My dad is the coolest...This isn't your dad by any chance is it ???
My dad never listens to anything I say, he never did anything with my brother and I when we were kids, never taught me anything, he's selfish...I hate my dad and I feel bad that my mom has to live with him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Devlin @ Dec 21 2006, 06:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Me too...My dad is the coolest...This isn't your dad by any chance is it ???</div>Hahaha. No, My dad is really in shape and he's not old. I could pass for Santa Clause though.
My step dads cool. He never gets angry with me, he talks to me, does stuff with me. He's a cool dad. That's some good stuff your dads doing. My mom is buying her friend (sort of poor friend) a turkey dinner today for Christmas, and she constantly invites her over to clean the house for a ridiculous amount of money.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jkidd51524 @ Dec 19 2006, 09:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He works in the Jersey Shore? Now thats good stuff :winkglasses: Best place to be in the world.</div><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-family:Arial">There is actually a town in central Pennsylvania called Jersey Shore, thats where this takes place. Your most likely referring to the beach side of New Jersey.</span></span>
