PBA President Thankful For Toy Drive Support

The following letter was submitted on behalf of Fair Lawn PBA Local 67 President Michael O'Brien.

On behalf of the officers of Fair Lawn PBA Local 67, I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming generosity and kindness this holiday season. Our combined efforts locally yielded over 1,000 toys for children in need. Fair Lawn PBA, in partnership with dozens of other PBA locals in Bergen County, donated tens of thousands of toys. It's hard to explain, but to see a child’s face light up when uncertain what the holiday season may bring, simply cannot be measured.

A huge thank you to Danny and John from Radburn Exxon, Tommy and his family from Luca’s Gourmet Deli, Sandy, Diane, Stan, Lori and Ben from American Graphic Systems, the Kim Family from Best Cleaners, Kwame and Yvonne at Christmas Tree Shops in Paramus and Michael from Modell's Sporting Goods.

In addition to so many residents and businesses coming together, I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the Women’s Guild of Saint Leon Armenian Church for their toy contribution, the employees of Fair Lawn Dental Associates, Fair Lawn borough employees, as well as members of the Fair Lawn Police Explorers, who monitored collection site bins and helped transport the toys to our storage area.

We far surpassed our goal this year and look forward to collecting even more toys in 2014.

Last, but not least, Liz Twiggs, the Fair Lawn Director of Human Services, and Fair Lawn Detective David Boone worked in partnership to ramp up Operation Santa Boone to create 136 Random Acts of Kindness in memory of our sister, Officer Mary Ann Collura who was murdered in 2003. The number, 136, was Fair Lawn Police Officer Collura's badge number. To remember our Sister Mary on the 10th year memorial of her death, David and Liz worked tirelessly along with PBA volunteers, Mayor John Cosgrove, the council, volunteer emergency services, businesses, and community volunteers to create three Santa teams with elves to go out distributing gift cards and other items donated by local stores and organizations. Each gift had a sticker attached that stated: “We hope that you enjoy this random act of kindness which was done in memory of Police Officer Mary Ann Collura. Please share the joy of the holiday season and pay it forward.”

Liz, you’ve truly managed something very special in our sister’s name. David, you sir are simply a class act and are an integral part of this community both as a police officer and pastor.

Thank you everyone! As always, it’s an honor to protect and serve this great community.

PO Michael O’Brien
President, Fair Lawn PBA Local 67