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The 30th annual Bergen County PBA Toy Drive, helmed by Nicoletti, not only set a record for the number of law enforcement agencies involved – a whopping 53.
It may also have been the most efficient transfer ever of toys, board games electronics and more all brought to the firehouse, sorted, bagged and taken to hospitals and other locations for terminally ill, ailing and needy youngsters and their families.
“Some people have been doing it long enough that they know exactly what to do,” Nicoletti said before heading to the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center.
CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE TO SEE THEM AT THE HOSPITAL
Closter Police Officer Luis Ruiz was back as Santa -- here with the New York Metropolitans' mascot, Mr. Met.
Jerry DeMarco“Some of us are fortunate to have that one Christmas or special holiday that we will always remember, that moment when we received the gift we wanted,” the retired Closter police sergeant and school resource officer in Lodi said earlier. “That's what we want to create -- that special memory that will bring joy, even for just a moment.”
Police officers of all stripes and their families mixed with military personnel from the U.S. Army’s National Guard Armory in Teaneck, as well as actor Vincent Curatola (who portrayed Johnny Sack on “The Sopranos”) and Super Bowl-winning retired Giants wide receiver Stephen Baker, “The Touchdown Maker.”
Back again: The Paramus Police Motorcycle Unit, with red-nosed guides.
Jerry DeMarco
Lodi police with Vince "Johnny Sack" Curatola (center).
Cecilia LevineFood vendors also participated in one of the largest and most popular missions of mercy in the Northeast.
Several members of the Santa Response Team (SRT) had done it before – among them, retired officers who continue to return to the annual drive.
"They're making something really nice for less fortunate kids," New Jersey State PBA President Marc Kovar said.
Officers from 53 agencies gave terminally ill, ailing and disadvantaged children reason to smile.
Courtesy: BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTORNicoletti rallied a few colleagues in 1988 to help fill a little red pickup with toys to bring to children with cancer and other critical illnesses at HUMC.
"We were just so proud to have filled that truck," he said with a smile.
This year, a fleet of vehicles was needed – not just to hit the hospitals but to head to other destinations, including local organizations and families dealing with tragedy, loss and need.
Dan DiMiglio of Callahan's has become one of the reliable vendors at the annual event.
Jerry DeMarcoNicoletti kept things moving while also huddling with countless officers and others who brought donated gift cards along with toys.
“Our goal is to be able to relieve a little bit of the stress due to medical or financial hardship that a family may have,” the proud veteran said.
At the same time, Rochelle Park Police Lt. Glenn Brunet said, "we all feel happy knowing these kids will feel joy and cheer."
Santa & Company.
Jerry DeMarco
Paramus police and Mr. Met.
Cecilia Levine
Local and county officers teamed up to collect and deliver the presents.
Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
Volunteers couldn't help but smile.
COURTESY: Robert Tormo
Nicoletti (center left) with officers of all stripes.
Jerry DeMarco
Fair Lawn PBA President Luis Vazquez with retired New York Giant wide receiver Stephen Baker, "The Touchdown Maker."
COURTESY: Fair Lawn PBA
Gifts delivered, youngsters overjoyed at the Sanzari Children's Hospital at HUMC.
COURTESY: Haworth PD
New Jersey State PBA President Marc Kovar and Don Nicoletti
Cecilia Levine
Soldiers from the U.S. Army National Guard in Teaneck load truck.
Cecilia Levine
No such thing as too much fun.
Jerry DeMarco
Troupers, all.
Jerry DeMarcoPHOTOS: BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR, FAIR LAWN PBA LOCAL #67, ROBERT TORMO, HAWORTH PD, Cecilia Levine & Jerry DeMarco.
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