Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

The Holiday Season has arrived here in Metro Detroit and it's the time of year, when many organizations rally together to spread season's greetings. Showing love and support towards one another in and around your community, is must important! Over the weekend, that is exactly what the Detroit Police Officers Association (D.P.O.A) did for their own, Detroit Police Department (DPD) family.

More than 140 children were met with holiday cheer and toy giveaways at the Annual Kiddie Christmas Party. Located on Detroit's eastside at Farwell Recreation Center, upon entering the building families could hear Christmas music playing in the background, as they were greeted by Santa's Helpers. Music lovers, you know that Detroit's Famous Motown Christmas was played, songs by The Jackson 5, The Temptations and more! Here in our area, it's something about Motown's Christmas that puts everyone in the holiday spirit.

As the day continued, lunch was provided with an assortment of options, including dessert. Pizza, nachos with cheese and chili to a full stationed hot dog bar with all the sides was available without having a limit. The children went wild as they began to enjoy their food and eating the cupcakes seemed to be an all-time favorite. Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents had an enjoyable time as well, simply because they were celebrated. It was quite obvious that the children did too!

Santa Claus was taking pictures, while others, stood patiently in line waiting to have their faces painted. Smiley the Hip Hop Clown showed up and the kids excitement levels went through the roof. Smiley, had captivated the attention from the oldest person in the room to the youngest, toddlers. Everyone was laughing because, Smiley the Hip Hop clown, had the children competing with each other in a few rounds of a dance contest. The adults were called out as well to showcase themselves as singers, rappers and runway models. All in all, it was a great time!

The Detroit Police Officers Association, really provided an amazing event for all who attended the event. Detroit Police, Corporal Royice Hill, Chairman of the D.P.O.A. Events Committee, said, "Anytime that we as officers, are able to lend a helping hand to our own Detroit Police family, it's an honor and it brings me great joy. In life, everyone likes to be celebrated and made to feel special, at least once in their lifetime. During the holiday season, this is a way, for us to make an impact to our own, especially to the children". Corporal R. Hill continues to tell the Telegram News that, "I couldn't do this alone without my entire committee and its members who chip in to help make this day complete!". Officer Chad Ossman, DPD Officer and recipient of the Kiddie Christmas Party, was there enjoying the festivities with his wife and younger children. Having been his first time participating this is how he felt! "It's been great! It's family friendly and they do a lot for the kids. Kids have to be 12 and under and gifts are all sorted out by age groups."

Let the Holiday season began, this was a great way to begin the celebration, as the Detroit Police Department and its officers did. How will you celebrate this year? Are you planning to give back to others by participating in charitable giving? Will you choose to give back and support in another way? Either way, giving back is best, when you show love and give back from you heart!

Always remember in Detroit, Christmas isn't Christmas without playing the famous record, "a Motown Christmas" songs by the legendary artists of Motown Music. Seasons greeting from my family, our family at the Telegram News to you all our readers! Happy New Year!