CARLISLE, Pa. — Santa's helpers were hard at work in Cumberland County, as they wrapped hundreds of gifts at the Carlisle Police Department.
On Friday, more than a dozen volunteers helped wrap Christmas toys that will be given out to families in need.
“I know that some kids are not as privileged as others, and this is just a way to give back," said Greg Bowman, who drove from Mechanicsburg to help wrap presents.
“The willingness to give and help in the community, especially at this time of year, it’s just amazing," said Jamie DiMartile with the Carlisle Police Department.
The wrapping is part of the Carlisle Police Department’s annual Christmas toy drive, an event Officer DiMartile has spearheaded since 2018. She said she has enough toys to give to 123 children this year, thanks to the generosity of the community.
“People push it out [on social media], they share it to all of their friends, and we found that a lot of people would be more willing to donate the exact toy a kid wants, rather than money," said DiMartile.
Carlisle Police Chief Taro Landis said it is part of the nature of Carlisle residents to come together and help those in need during the holidays.
“Carlisle is an incredible community; Carlisle is a very giving community," said Chief Landis. “We have to be giving and we have to take care of people who don’t have as much as we do, and this is evidence of that."
With each toy and each roll of wrapping paper, volunteers are helping bring Christmas to families across Carlisle.
“I like wrapping and I like seeing kids get gifts," said Tracy Frederick, who volunteered to help wrap presents.