F’ville has ‘Christmas with police’

The Fayetteville Police Department on Dec. 11 held its 11th annual “Christmas with the Police” program.

This year, the department was able to provide presents for nine children in four families as well as dinner and gift certificates for each family. Fayetteville police officers and detectives shopped for each child based on wish lists they had provided. The department also held a Christmas party for the families, said Det. Mike Whitlow.

Whitlow said the event was extra special this year thanks to two United States Marines. One of the families, 12-year-old triplets and their mother, recently suffered the death of their father, a retired United States Marine.

Two Marines, Master Sergeants Davis and Gregory from the Peachtree City Recruiting Station, brought the family a new Marine Corps flag to replace one they fly at their home which had become somewhat worn. The Marines also stayed around and helped Santa give out presents.

It was a very emotional, joyful night which will not soon be forgotten, Whitlow said.

“We would like to very sincerely thank the following organizations and businesses for their donations to this program: the Fayette County Civitan Club, the Kiwanis Club of Fayette County, Fayette Wrecker Service, the VFW Riverdale Post, Partners II Pizza, Target, the Royal Stix restaurant, Kroger at Towne Center and the Fayetteville Real Life Store. There were also numerous donations from Fayetteville citizens,” Whitlow said.