Wall Township Police Deliver Toys to Children at Jersey Shore Medical Center

The Wall Township Police and PBA 234 conducted their Summer Christmas program at the Pediatric unit of Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The Program has been running since December 2008. The end of the year is a busy time for the pediatric unit because all types of groups stop by to deliver toys or treats, but after that time the kids left in the hospital get forgotten. Sergeant William Bono, who started the program, decided in July 2010 that toys would be delivered in the summer as well. The Wall Police now delivers toys twice a year.

The program was started to help raise the spirits of children stuck in the hospital during the holidays or their summer break. It also displays the positive connection the police have with the community.

This year toys were delivered to 19 children some only a few weeks old to teenagers. Some electronic games, dolls, stuffed animals, and toy cars were handed out to broad smiles. In the summer the children seem more excited because they never expected to receive anything.

Assisting with setting up the delivery was Ann Marie Conte, head of the Pediatric Unit and Wall Township Committee member.

Some officers bring their children to not only help decide what the other children might like, but also to show them the meaning of charity and helping others.

Attending the event this year was (In the photo, from left to right): Ann Marie Conte, Hunter Brockriede, Joseph Wilbert, Cody Wilbert (4), Todd Czech, Anthony Lacher, William Bono, Ken Brown, Samantha Bono (12), Joseph Antunez, Anthony Marino, Hannah Bono (15), and Riley Wilbert (6).

The toys are from donations and supplemented with purchases from the Wall PBA 234. If anyone would like to donate toys contact Detective Cadigan (PBA President) or Sergeant William Bono.