Christmas Fund Letter 20

Dear Supporter,

Our Children’s Christmas Party is always our biggest event of the year. As you can guess, it is also the most costly event. Each year at Christmas time numerous people stop by the Police Center with a gift or donation for our Children’s Christmas Party. Truly, the saying, “Many hands make light work” is true when it comes to explaining how it is possible for us to hold such a huge party. This year has been a tight year financially for the Police Center. As the final months of the year are approaching, I am a bit on edge, wondering if we are going to pay our bills and still have funds available for our programs. We have almost made it, but we still have a month’s worth of bills and a Christmas Party in front of us. As we move forward with our plans for the Children’s Christmas Party, I am hoping people will continue, as in years past, to make us a part of their Christmas giving. I am still a little anxious about the thought of finding the resources required to host a party that each year serves almost 1,000 children. It’s not only the gift for each child that is needed. We also need wrapping paper, name tags (self-stick), tape, snacks, drinks, coffee, cups, paper plates, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, trash bags, ink cartridges & photo paper for photo w/Santa (Poloroid film is no longer easily available). When you multiply all of this by 1,000 you find the $$$ quickly adds up.

The Christmas Party is planned for Saturday December 19^th , 11:00am-6:00pm. We need numerous volunteers for various jobs on the day of the event and prior to the event. On two separate evenings (the weekdays before the party) we will be bringing gifts to Senior Centers to be wrapped. One night at Salina School Apts. from 6:00pm-9:00pm and another night from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Franklin Square Apts. Volunteers are needed both nights. Also, if you have children who would like to help before the event, I need help picking out the gifts. We will be doing this on several evenings once we begin receiving toys. On the day of the party, volunteers are needed to sign children in, serve food, wrap gifts, take photos with Santa, print the photos with Santa, give out gifts, manage trash receptacles and answer phones. If I know in advance the number of volunteers I have coming for the party, I am able to break the day down into shifts and offer volunteers the opportunity to rotate assignments. Please call me if you would like to volunteer.

I have seen an increase in the number of homeless folks who stop by the Police Center to pick up clothing. The word must have gotten out that I allow them to take what they need without charging them (they only take what they use). Anyone who has used clothing, coats, hats, or gloves and would like to drop them off, I am sure they will be useful for these folks. I am particularly looking for a pair of size 13 work shoes for one of the guys.

We are facing tough economic times right now. Many people are in desperate situations. Several of the families who have come in to sign up for the Christmas Party have asked me if I know where they might find a job. Even the jobs requiring unskilled labor are competitive today. When families sign up I have been making side notes of the ones whom I believe could use a little extra help (it seems there are a lot more this year). We will do what we can for them. If anyone wants to add some canned goods to their donations, we will use them for food baskets to help these families. I have a feeling a lot of gifts will leave the Center unopened this year and be saved for opening on Christmas Day.

I apologize for mentioning so many different things we could use. I understand all of our budgets are stressed by these economically challenging times. Do only what you are able. Please remember, some things don’t require a monetary commitment, like donating your time. Volunteer at the Police Center, ring a kettle bell for the Salvation Army, or help feed the hungry at the Rescue Mission. These are all good lessons to model for your children. Demonstrate your charitableness now, and chances are good they will follow your training and support those in need when they are adults.

Donations of any of the above, or monetary donations to help us purchase the items, will help make the Christmas Party possible. I would like to thank you for your continued support to the Police Center Programs. Your support makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the families we serve.

Wishing you a safe and happy Holiday Season,

Officer Clarke

Pumpkin Carving Party 2009

We had to hold our Pumpkin Carving Party in shifts to accommodate everyone. As soon as one family finished dinner and carving their pumpkins, we would clear the table and seat another family. We picked 300 pumpkins and received a few more through donations but not a pumpkin was left by the end of the night.

Our Pumpkin Carving Party is an event for the whole family to enjoy. We provide food (stews, chili and chips along with fresh made bread from our local bakeries). This means families don't need to prepare dinner for the family on this night. Each child receives their own pumpkin and parents are given candles to light up the pumpkins. When I grew up (with 11 brothers and sisters) we survived off a garden and planted our own pumpkins. For many of these families purchasing a pumpkin at a nearby convenience store is expensive and a burden to carry home. Therefore, carving pumpkins is not a regular tradition for many of these families. Every year children look forward to our Pumpkin Carving Party. The Party has grown over the years form 30-to now over 300. I am pleased to be able to host an annual carving party to provide a healthy, family orientated tradition for children in our area.

Thank you, to all who donated to this event and thank you to all who volunteered your time. We were very, very, busy serving food, helping children with the carving and cleaning up messes. We are impacting families in a positive way during these difficult financial times. Click on the flickr bar on this page and view the many happy faces you touch by supporting the Police Center Events.

Officer Clarke

Pumpkin Picking 2009

We took some neighborhood children out to Hafner's Farms in Baldwinsville to pick pumpkins for our annual Pumpkin Carving Party. In a short time we loaded 300 pumpkins into my trailer. The children and I enjoy making the annual trip to the pumpkin patch. Every year I chuckle to myself as I watch the children walk all the way across the field to find the perfect pumpkin. Then, the chore is carrying the pumpkin all the way back to the trailer. Generally, after much proding, I can convince them there are plenty of good pumpkins a lot closer. Hafners gives us a good deal of $1.00 for any size pumpkin. Thank you, to you folks who help us pay for the pumpkins through your donations to the Police Center. We could not do special trips like this with out your support. If you would like to veiw more photos of our Pumpkin Picking Trip click on the Flicker link on this page.

Officer Clarke

Halloween Events

October 2009

Dear Supporter,

It’s been a busy fall for me. I recently finished helping instruct our bi-annual firearms qualifications and now I am assisting with Police Academy Firearms Training, plus I will be facilitating a Team building day for our Emergency Response Team (SWAT Team). Add in a couple of vacation days and I have barely been at the Police Center. On Columbus Day we took a group of children out to release pheasants (I will post photos and maybe a blog when I can find the time).

The following events will be held this month. We are very much in need of help for these events. You may help by providing donations of: Pumpkins, candy, pumpkin carving kits, candles, decorations, food, drinks, cups, paper plates, napkins or a check to help us pay for supplies.
Pumpkin Picking - Monday, October 26, 4:30pm: We bring the kids to a field where they pick their own pumpkins. 200 pumpkins are needed for the pumpkin carving contest. Then we return to the Police Center to decorate for Halloween and enjoy snacks.

• Pumpkin Carving Party- Tuesday, October 27, 5:00pm: We invite area families to the Police Center to carve pumpkins and enjoy a free harvest meal.


• Halloween Safety Center -Saturday, October 31, sponsored by Neighborhood Watch, who provides the cider and cookies. The Police Center will be open and staffed from 4:30pm-9:00pm to inspect children's candy. Volunteers wear costumes and provide refreshments to kids and parents.


• Haunted Hay Ride – date to be set depending on the amount of funds we receive.

If you are interested in helping or have any questions, please call me at (315)471-3257.
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Sincerely yours,
Officer Clarke

Picnic with Police & Fire Departments 2009

Our Picnic with the Police and Fire Departments was a success with over 800 people signing in at the picnic. The day started out cloudy (which was nice while we worked to set up for the picnic). Once the clouds cleared and the sun came out it warmed up quickly.

Our first hour started out slow with only 30 families signing in. Word spread quickly and soon we could see the families with strollers coming our way. The food line grew longer as our volunteers worked fervently to keep up with the demand . Families were allowed to eat as much and as often as they wanted. Once parents fed their children it was off to participate in the numerous opportunities for fun. Families could cool down by walking through the sprinkler or by enjoying a free snow cone. Children received three tickets to play the games, winning a prize at each game. Children could get their face painted, bounce around in a bouncy tent or get their photo taken on the Fire Truck. We are still trying to cope with the loss of Polaroid film. It was so, convienant to snap a child's photo and instantly hand the photo to mom or dad. We are continuing our efforts to take photos, transfer the photos from memory sticks to the printer, print the photos and get them to parents in a timely mannor. We seem to generate a lot of frustration with parents over the time it takes. I think we will have to purchase another compact printer in order to speed the process up. Our other choice is to stop taking the photos with the Fire Trucks and with Santa at Christmas. I will have to think it over a bit more.

Chief Miguel and Deputy Chief Fowler came to the picnic for a visit and to thank our volunteers.

The pace throughout the day remained steady with families leaving once their bellies were full and their game tickets were gone, only to be replaced by new families who were just arriving. In all 236 families signed into the picnic. Families ranged from a single child to eight children. In addition many families brought along a relative or a neighbors child. It was a great time for all.

Thank you, to all of my volunteers who worked very hard in the heat all day long. I had no problem finding help to get meat or water from the refrigerated tractor trailer G&C Foods allowed us to use. Volunteers would jump up in the cool trailer and stay there for a few extra minutes.

And thank you, to all you folks who made donations to make the picnic possible. During these tough economic times we are finding our donations are down. I certinally understand why people cannot give right now. I am especially grateful for those of you who still manage to help us even though you could use a little extra help yourself. Times are tough. Thanks to you, we were able to put a lot of smiles on many little faces. Check out our Flickr site for more photos of our picnic. Click on the link below. I love looking at the photos over and over again.

God Bless,

Police Officer

James K. Clarke

Upcoming Picnic with the Police And Fire Departments

Our Annual Picnic with the Police & Fire Departments is this Thursday August 13th in Washington Square Park from 11-4pm. Free food, drinks, game prizes and photos with Police and Firemen. Come on down to the Park for a fun time.

Summer Camping Trip

Our Summer Camping Trip was wonderful. At first we were a little worried about the weather. We set a couple of pop -ups so, we could get under them if it was rainy. We did have a few spotty showers but nothing which hindered our activities.

A child from past summer trips with the Police Center (now 33 yrs old) came along on the trip with us. He has been spending time at the Police Center getting some community service hours in. The timing for me could not have been more perfect. I had not considered taking him along on the trip. Then a few days before the trip he said "You know Officer Clarke it has been a long time since I have been on a trip with you." He was right. It had been a long time. He was on one of our very first camping trips held through the Police Center. It took place more than 15 years ago. I remember my initial plans were to take the group on a Whale Watching / Deep Sea Fishing Trip to Gloucester, MA. I even had a business that was willing to pay $5,000 of the tab. I had done it several times before with groups outside of work and was confident I could do it with this group. Community Policing was new back then. My bosses were not very receptive to the idea. One boss suggested "What if there is an earthquake under the sea and the boat we are on gets swallowed up"? I have to admit, I hadn't given much thought to that happening. But then again I never heard of it happening. Back then our police administration was stuck in a rut with the traditional ways we should do police work. They were at least listening, but boy did I have some tough times getting them to allow me to do things back then. Although, we still have a ways to go, we sure have come a long way in proactive policing over the years.

The Whale Watch never happend but my bosses agreed to a camping / canoe trip to Eighth Lake in the Adirondacks (our very first trip). I had lots of past experiance on canoe trips as a teen and lead numerous trips with church youth groups over the years. Prior to the trip we took the group to Jamesville Beach for canoe trainning. the kids would practice paddling in the front and rear of the canoe and before the training was over, everyone, had to tip a canoe over on purpose. I enjoyed watching the kids progress from outta control canoes, to wanting to flip their canoes over numerous times. It's amazing how in a few hours they become comfortable in the canoes. That was a great trip years ago. It rained off and on that weekend but our last day in the rain, the kids still wanted to go to Enchanted Forrest. So, we went. I still have photos of that trip on my "FUN TIMES" bullentin board in the Police Center Office.

Jason, was on that first trip. Now he was going to join us in chaperoning 15 children on a camping trip to Black Lake. When you bring 15 children ranging in ages from 7-15 on a trip, they require lots of attention and there is never enough of us adults to go around. The days are filled with requests "Can you put another worm on my hook?" "Can you get my pole unstuck?" Can you take my fish off the hook?" "When are we gonna eat?" "Can we go out in the boat now?" "Are we gonna do "SNORES" tonight in the fire?" "Can we go tubing, ride the ATV, take the canoe out?" etc... etc... Generally, we don't have enough time to give the children canoe lessons cuz we are too busy untangling fishing poles, feeding and watering the kids. In other words just trying to keep up (you moms all know what I am talking about). Having Jason on the trip was a great help which allowed for canoe training. Although, Jason had not been in a canoe for a long time he still possessed all the skilles we taught him years ago. One by one Jason, would take a child out front of camp in a canoe and spend time teaching them the fundamentals of canoeing. I have 3 usable canoes at camp and one in need of repair. This allowed four of the kids to paddle around out front of camp at a time and one canoe for me if I needed to paddle out and help them with anything. Sometimes the wrong pairs would partner and they just couldn't paddle well together. The children spent a lot of time in the canoes over the weekend. It was strange that I couldn't convince them to bring their poles out and fish from the canoes??? They would all want to crowd on the dock at the same time and try to fish.

Our weekend really, was great. The kids caught frogs and snakes, oh yeah and fish. I took them all tubing (would have done more but my power trim broke). They fished from the boat, rode ATVs, sat around a campfire, cooked smores and did a lot of swimming. The lake is weedy, with a soft bottom. I get a kick outta watching the new kids we bring on our trips. The children who have been before wade right out in it with out a problem. The new kids ask questions about fish biting them and make horrible faces as they wade in. By the end of the weekend we can't keep em outta the water.

I was thankful for Jason on this trip. Jason was a great help. It was kinda neat having him on another trip so, many years latter. I have only seen him once since the trip. He has completed his community service hours and is back to being busy with his own life.

My Dad used to say "Life is strange" referring to the course of events which pass our way. I am grateful to God for the people and events he has led my way during the course of my life. The good Lord always seems to know what I need and when I need it. I am not just talking about a body to help with a trip. I am referring to visually witnessing the fruits of your labor. During a conversation with Jason he said "Officer Clarke, I can't believe all I had on these trips with you when I was a kid." "I can see it better now." "I wish, I would have listened more and done some things different in my life." "This is a great thing you do for all of us."I enjoyed having Jason around for the weekend. I'll bet a need was met in Jason's life during the trip too.

Thank you, to all you folks who support us with donations of supplies and the finances we need to make these trips possible. You have filled the lives of nummerous children with great memories. You have filled my life as well.

Thank you,

Officer Clarke.

To see more photos go to www.northsidepolice.com click on a photo it will bring you to Flickr