TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department responded to a different kind of call for help on Saturday.
Officers helped hundreds of kids in need get toys for the holidays with the agency’s annual Enchanted Wonderland event.
What You Need To Know
1,500 kids in need get gifts in Tampa Police Department’s Enchanted Wonderland
The toys were donated by Kids Wish Network and Walmart
Officer volunteered to help distribute the toys
The chief of police said the event is growing every year
Participating families are from TPD’s Resources in Community Hope House program, the Police Athletic League and others are from military families.
Kathleen Brandstetter’s husband is a disabled veteran. Their eight-and three-year-olds got to pick out gifts.
“It’s really amazing, especially this time of year is usually really difficult for us. So, it’s great to see them get some new toys,” said Kathleen Brandstetter.
They join the 1,500 kids in need who are getting help. Many of the toys came from the nonprofit Kids Wish Network.
“A lot of the families struggle — it’s been a difficult time. So, for us to be able to provide this to them, it takes a burden off of the parents,” said Tam Lai, Executive Director for the Kids Wish Network.
About 50 officers volunteered to make the event happen. The chief of police said the event is growing every year and giving back is something the agency looks forward to.
“It’s huge, and it’s huge for the officers because the officers go to calls and they see kids in distress and families in distress and this day, their ability to give back to so many kids, I mean 1500, that’s huge,” said Lee Bercaw, Chief of the Tampa Police Department.
Just ask the Brandstetter’s, it’s help they never thought they would need, but they are very grateful to have.
“I was a kid when I volunteered, so getting to be on this side, it gives me another sense of meaning to this and it’s the world to me,” said Brandstetter.