The Kittanning Police Department prepared last night to distribute gifts to nine families in the borough. (front row) Michael Bartosiewicz, Philip Young (back row) Police Secretary Jeanne Demore, Police Chief Bruce Mathews, Officers Greg Koprivnak, Ken Bussard, Joe Riskosky, Don Blose, and Mayor Scott Kline.
Kittanning Police Chief Bruce Mathews said that his officers often run into families having a hard time while on their patrols in the borough. Along with Mayor Scott Kline, the department decided to identify some families in need and give them some help with Christmas presents.
Yesterday, prior to distributing Christmas presents, all of the officers joined for a press conference.
“We wanted to get the officers together,” Mathews said. “The officers, the department, the Mayor and I decided we wanted to give back to the community and help some of the people we serve. Every officer adopted a family, where we got a wish list and started (the process). The community as a whole really came to bat for us. With the toys that we have collected, we are going to be able to serve nine families representing 23 children.”
Officer Ken Buzzard helped coordinate the efforts.
“I am really proud of the community as a whole,” Buzzard said. “The local businesses stepped forward and really helped us out with monetary donations. Then the rest of the community brought the toys on the table that you see in front of you. It’s nice to see that the community is with us in helping other families in our community. Hopefully this can be an annual thing for us.”
Officer Greg Koprivnak agreed and said all the businesses were willing to cooperate in some way.
“There were local businesses that also offered a discount so certain items could be purchased,” Koprivnak added.
Buzzard said the families were identified by each of the officers.
“We know them. Some of them would never ask for help, but we knew their situation and wanted to help make their Christmas better.”
Mathews said all of the families are from Kittanning Borough. He said it was meaningful for the police department to be of service in this capacity.