Police, Firefighters Help 'Dreams Come True' for Local Children

Six-year-old Kaylee Hanna was ready for a trip of a lifetime. Her grandparents said she couldn’t sleep Monday night, and was ecstatic for what was to come on Tuesday.

Police officers and firefighters from across Mercer County, as well as Disney characters, sports mascots and the Ewing High School Band, welcomed more than 100 children before they boarded the much-anticipated flight to Orlando for Operation Dreamlift, a daylong trip to Disney World for chronically ill, physically challenged or abused children funded completely by donations.

“This day is one that many of these children will remember for the rest of their lives, so by spending a few hours in the morning and in the evening is the least we can do to help out,” said Hightstown Police Department Ptl. Janine Krupa, who represented the police department at the sendoff.

Before they embarked on the one-day journey, children, parents, friends and relatives gathered for a celebration sendoff at the National Guard facility in Ewing.

“It’s fantastic we have such a great turnout with the fire departments and police departments,” Larry Blake, Hanna’s grandfather, said. “It’s just unbelievable.” 

The Hightstown Engine Company sponsored Hanna’s seat on the trip and picked her up in a fire truck in the morning.

“She was so excited,” Annie Blake, Hanna’s grandmother, said.

Hanna’s favorite characters are Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse.

“She calls herself Kaylee Hannakins Space Ranger,” Blake said.

When the Hightstown Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary found out Hanna, who has autism and attends the Joseph F. Cappello school in Trenton, was going on Operation Dreamlift, they decided to pay for her trip out of their pockets. Hanna’s grandfather, Larry Blake, has been a firefighter for more than 45 years and served as chief for 17 years, and her grandmother, Annie Blake, is a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary. 

“It makes you really feel proud that the guys – you know I don’t keep around that much anymore being retired – to see the guys kick in like that, makes you feel good,” Larry Blake said.

Each seat for a child costs $350, according to the Sunshine Foundation website.

Two members of the Hightstown Police Department were unable to attend this year, but have participated in the past several years. Det. Benjamin Miller attended for around 10 years, and dispatcher Dylan Sturchio participated since 2007.

The Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by Philadelphia Police Officer Bill Sample, has sent more than 5,000 children to Disney across the United States.