Holding some of the Christmas gifts donated for Santa’s Ride are (from left) MPO Ben Kushner, MPO Meg Hawkins, Santa Claus, PFC R.B. Kitchens, MPO Dave Pierce and APO Tony Gul. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
For more than three decades, the Sully District Police Station’s Motor Squad has been collecting Christmas presents donated by the community. These officers then deliver them to the children at Inova Children’s Hospital and the Georgetown Hospital Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This year’s gift collection for Santa’s Ride was held Saturday, Nov. 14, outside the police station in Chantilly. Local residents dropped off new, unwrapped toys, games, books and other presents, and even Santa Claus, himself, was on hand to greet everyone who so generously donated.
“On behalf of the Sully District Station, I want to thank everyone that donated toys for the upcoming Santa’s Ride,” said MPO Meg Hawkins afterward. “We collected above and beyond what we expected. We’re so lucky to have amazing community members like you. And if you missed us, there’ll be a collection box in the lobby.”
People may contribute gifts until Monday morning, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. Bring them to the Fair Oaks or Sully District police stations, the Fairfax County Government Center or St. Timothy Catholic School, 13809 Poplar Tree Road in Chantilly.