They used a Saratoga Springs Police Patrol car as Santa’s sleigh, loading it with gifts and special treats, for one local family that needs a little Christmas magic.
Criminal Justice Studies instructor David Foldi said, “our class has always done something special just before Christmas vacation. Typically the students dress up as Santa and his elves and sing Christmas carols to staff in our building and to the children in the Early Childhood Education program preschool. However, due to COVID-19 there are no children in that program this year.”
Criminal Justice Studies students did not want to disappoint. As an alternative, the students voted to use their SkillsUSA fundraising account to purchase Christmas gifts for children of an essential worker. And not to break their tradition, they recorded themselves singing carols and presented it to the family.
Foldi said, “the Saratoga Springs Police Department found out about the plan and reached out to me. They thought it was a great idea. The Police Benevolent Association has matched the students' donation, actually tripled it.“
As it turns out, other community members heard about the plan and made additional donations to the effort.
Patrol Sergeant Angela McGovern is the Saratoga Springs Police Department counterpart in this Christmas Joy project. The department purchased the gifts and sent officers to the Criminal Justice Studies class to help the students wrap the presents and load them into the patrol car.
Patrol Sergeant McGovern told students in a letter recently, “we choose this career because we want to have a positive impact on people's lives. Catching bad guys is only a very small part of what we do. It sounds like you all are on the path to successful careers in this field if this profession is what you choose. Keep focusing on making lives better for other people and doing what you can to help those in need - now more than ever.”
CTE is happy to support community service projects as it helps students to understand the importance of giving back to their community. It was great to see a few F. Donald Myers Education Center grads who are now a part of the SSPD.