'Operation Santa Boone' Brings Surprise Cheer to Fair Lawn

Dozens of volunteers spread out across Fair Lawn Monday to spread some random acts of kindness for the fourth and largest-yet "Operation Santa Boone."

The secret operation has been held to surprise borough residents in-need, usually helping a family or two each year. This year, the operation was marked the 10 years since Fair Lawn Police Officer Mary Ann Collura was killed in the line of duty and was expanded to include 136 — her badge number — acts of kindness.

"Whenever there's a chance to do something in her memory, we jump to it," PBA President Mike O'Brien said. "We're proud that we could do something like this to benefit folks who could use a little something extra."

Volunteers from the PBA, rescue squad, fire department and high school split into three teams, organized by Health and Human Services Director Liz Twiggs and Detective David Boone, to visit more than 20 locations around Fair Lawn. They sang carols, distributed gift certificates donated by local businesses and handed out treats.

"It's great to honor the memory of Mary Ann Collura," Mayor John Cosgrove said. "It's awesome that we get to go out and spread some holiday cheer to the whole community."

Several of the volunteers said they enjoyed seeing faces "light up" when they came into a room. For Drew Patterson, the best part was helping to hand out the 2,000 candy canes.

"It's better to give than receive," Patterson said.