Harlem’s 28th Precinct Spreads Holiday Cheer with Winter Wonderland Event
Community Connection
The members of Harlem’s 28th Precinct held a special Winter Wonderland inside the station house on Monday night, bringing the joys of the holidays to community members in need. Excited families lined up outside 2271-89 Frederick Douglass Blvd. to receive a visit from Santa Claus and to pick out toys donated by the police department.
A Night of Joy and Giving
The event, which took place from 4 to 7 p.m., saw children up to the age of 15 select from a wide variety of toys, including Lego, Minecraft, Hotwheels, Star Wars, dolls, and Nerf guns. The children’s faces lit up as they entered the precinct and met NYPD’s remote-controlled robot dog ‘Digidog’ before being given the opportunity to choose their own gift.
Building Trust and Positive Memories
Assistant Chief at Patrol Borough Manhattan North Ruel Stephenson emphasized the importance of events like this in building trust between the community and the police department. "It really allows the community to have a better outlook on the police department, and that builds trust. Because now they get to see the police in a different light. They have a very good and vivid memory of the police, and it’s an occasion where there is not an adverse interaction. This is an exchange of a gift, which means it leaves a very good taste in everyone’s mouth and a good impression on both ends."
Stress Relief for Officers
Chief Stephenson also highlighted the benefits of the event for police officers, who often deal with stressful situations and rarely get to experience the good in the community. "Our cops, day to day, are dealing with stressful situations, and it often involves someone getting shot, offering assistance to a victim of a car crash or domestic violence victim. That is a build up of so much negative that police officers don’t often have an opportunity to experience the good in the community. So, this is a positive that does impact stress, it actually helps to alleviate stress because now the cops are doing something really good."
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the Winter Wonderland event?
A: The event aimed to bring the joys of the holidays to community members in need and to build trust between the community and the police department.
Q: What type of toys were available for the children to choose from?
A: The toys included Lego, Minecraft, Hotwheels, Star Wars, dolls, Nerf guns, and more.
Q: How old was the age range for the children participating in the event?
A: The event was open to children up to the age of 15.
Q: What was the impact of the event on the police officers?
A: The event helped to alleviate stress for police officers, who often deal with stressful situations and rarely get to experience the good in the community.
