Jan 30, 2013 3 min read

On behalf of the Bethel Park Police Department, I would like to publicly thank everyone who supported the Police Pals Food Drive a well as the Police Pals Adopt-A-Family project. Both programs were very successful this past year and we were able to help a lot of families in Bethel Park. The generosity shown was tremendous, and it further exemplifies the kind of community Bethel Park is, “A truly generous, caring and close community.”

The food drive was a little different this year, in its 20th year. The Bethel Park Fire Department, as well as Tri Community South EMS, assisted in collecting monetary donations as well as food donations.

The result was more than $3,500 raised as well as more than 65 well packed boxes of food. Numerous volunteers also got involved this year in the collections and their efforts did not go unnoticed. We had grade school students, middle school students, high school students, young adults and senior citizens working together for one common goal: To help families in need in our own community. The result was 266 boxes of food distributed, as well as two bulk donations to SHIM and St. Winifred food pantry. It is impossible to name every individual who assisted in this effort, but just know your time and efforts were deeply appreciated. I want to thank 2 Men and a Truck for donating the collection boxes, as well as the distribution boxes.

I also want to thank Walmart and Shop ‘N Save for allowing us to collect food and funds on two consecutive Saturdays in December.

The Adopt-A-Family also was very successful. The original goal was to assist the same amount of families which we helped in 2011, which was 24. But that total was easily surpassed! The Adopt- A- Family was able to help more than 38 local Bethel Park families. The generosity and genuine concern for fellow neighbors was overwhelming! So many people called and emailed to offer their help in many different ways.

Some offered to adopt a family as a group or individually. Some offered gift cards or children’s gifts, and some wrote a check! There were many community leaders that contacted Chief Mackey and I, and asked how they could help. Their efforts again did not go unnoticed. The program is totally anonymous, but for the people who offered help in any way, I cannot thank you enough. You certainly did make a difference right here in Bethel Park. Thirty-eight families had a memorable Christmas because of all of your efforts. You all exemplify the true meaning of Christmas, and I think collectively we all have shared in an accomplishment to very proud of. I cannot publish any of the sponsor’s names, but please accept my thanks for helping make the Police Pals Adopt-A-Family such a huge success.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Chief Mackey for allowing these programs to be conducted and for his support for the programs.

Officer Tom Rigatti

Bethel Park Police Department

Crime Prevention/ Community Resource Office