Santa Comes to Paterson
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What happens when Santa and his elves get a boost from Moment of Silence and BLUE Magazine? Magic!
Once again in 2022 an army of volunteers collected and wrapped gifts before descending upon the streets of Paterson New Jersey to distribute holiday joy to nearly 5,000 individuals and families.
Amongst the participants from Moment of Silence were individuals who have felt the hopelessness and despair in their personal journey against Blue suicide.
On this day, any feelings of hopelessness and despair were replaced with the sounds of joy, laughter and gratitude as the elves distributed gifts.
All differences aside, law enforcement and the community came together with people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and beliefs replacing any differences with the magic of giving in the best of the holiday spirit to some of the lowest-income households on the dangerous streets in the city of Paterson. On that day it felt like all were in one of the safest neighborhoods in the nation. It felt safe because regardless of ethnicity or beliefs everyone felt the spirit of Christmas.
Santa came to Paterson with gifts for everyone in the community; not only the kids but also homeless people. A lot of homeless people felt happy seeing us and receiving gifts.
People that didn’t really get along with the police on this day put their differences aside. There is a recognized gap between the cops and many in the community but on that day everyone was exuberating love and respect.
The officers and law enforcement supporters behind this event benefited greatly, too. To get a hug from community members during these times and to see a kid smile, to see parents cry of joy and happiness, to see older ladies come up and say “wow you guys really love us” validated our mission and intent.
In the end, perhaps we benefited the most. This couldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for all the supporters throughout the nation. Many supporters come from police departments everywhere.
To all of those who volunteered, donated and supported us we say thank you.
Now the planning begins to continue the magic in the years ahead. Make plans to join us!
Santa comes to Paterson 2022 was made possible by:
Moment of Silence is a nonprofit organization founded to support, promote and develop programs for our law enforcement, military, and first responder communities. We take pride promoting our two main missions: Blue Suicide and Youth Community Outreach.
• Blue Suicide raises awareness about the epidemic of suicides amongst law enforcement, military personnel and first responders.
• Our Youth Community Outreach program reaches out to at-risk inner-city youths through a holistic approach of one-on-one mentoring, providing guidance, employment, and education assistance. We strongly believe that the relationship between law enforcement and the youth is a priceless and worthy endeavor.
“Never give up, Stay in the fight.”
momentofsilenceinc.org/
The Blue Magazine is the unfiltered and independent voice of American law enforcement officers. It is owned and operated by active and retired law enforcement professionals who recognize the inherent dangers, and challenges, in all aspects of law enforcement.
We at The Blue Magazine aim to strengthen the ties that bring us together as brothers and sisters in blue. There are relevant, helpful, and interesting articles in the magazine and on the website. These articles are uncensored and written by men and women in law enforcement, as well as those who support them. We shine a light on anyone who attacks our profession for self-serving interests.
We honor the service and sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in blue whom have lost their lives defending and protecting their communities. We honor the men and women of the military who protect our freedom, both at home and abroad. There is a price paid, by our military and police officers, in blood or anguish.
We Are Blue.
