Nafisa Willaims Bey’s face lit up with excitement as she selected several toys, a book and a winter coat at the 27th annual Children’s Holiday Party hosted by Temple University’s Department of Public Safety (TUDPS) and held on Sunday at the Liacouras Center. 

“I love this toy because it looks like fun,” she said as she pointed to a doll. “I can’t wait to play with it.”

TUDPS acquired more than 700 gifts for the party by partnering with Toys for Tots and many other organizations, according to Temple University Police Officer Leroy Wimberly.

“We host the holiday party every year because every child deserves a new gift this time of year,” said Wimberly. “To bridge the gap between the children in the community and Temple police is a way to give children a vision and hope that you can come to us for help and resources.” 

The party was free for the community in an effort to provide youth with a safe place to enjoy music, food and entertainment, like Jazzy the Clown.

Many children also took pictures with Santa Claus.  

Teresa Robinson took her two children to the holiday party for their first time. 

“It’s a blessing because this year has been rough. I didn’t have anything to give my children for the holidays. So it’s been a blessing to have toys to give them and a whole day of fun, too. I couldn’t believe that you didn’t need to buy a ticket for them,” she said.  

“This wouldn’t be possible without Toys for Tots for Burlington County,” said Wimberly.  

“I just think it’s important that the children know that they’re loved,” said Gina Capate of the Burlington County Toys for Tots. “Every child deserves a Christmas and we just want it to be a great time of year for the children who live in the neighborhood.” 

“We collect toys and do fundraising almost all year long for this one event,” said Jennifer Griffin, Temple’s chief of police and vice president for public safety. “Many of the same children here have been coming for years. It’s an event they look forward to and it’s always a great feeling to see them come back.” 

In addition to the food, fun, gifts and games, there was a caravan of approximately 20 trucks from Norton Towing, Twins Towing, Janeway Towing, The Paul Brothers Construction Co., North Central Towing, Rich’s Towing and others that delivered more than 100 additional toys. 

“This time of the year, we all like to give back. We like to see the smiles on childrens’ faces. Seeing their reaction when children receive a gift, it’s absolutely heartwarming,” said Charlie Norton of Norton Towing.

Norton said his company will move vehicles around Temple when advised to by police. Norton said he and his colleagues are happy to help provide additional toys to children at the holiday party. 

“We don’t look for a pat on the back, we do it because they are able to,” he said. “Giving back is the reason we celebrate the holidays.” 

Some of the other sponsors include Wawa, TastyKake, Herr’s Potato Chips, City View Pizza and many others. Several Temple-affiliated organizations were involved with the party, including Temple student volunteers and the Temple University Black Alumni Alliance, which donated books and board games for the children.

Danita Bates of North Philadelphia is a community advocate whose son used to attend the holiday party when he was a child. Now that he’s grown, Bates encourages other families from her neighborhood to attend.

“The holiday party shows the gratification from our community to the Temple University family,” she said. “It’s important that our families and communities have a relationship with the police.”