Hightstown Police, Community Volunteers Wrap Presents for Toy Drive

Members of the Hightstown Police Department and community volunteers spent Saturday afternoon wrapping hundreds of presents for children in town. 

This year between 400 and 600 presents were donated at several dropoff locations in town, according to Sgt. Mark Niro. On Wednesday the wrapped gifts will be distributed to children in Hightstown.

"The little bit helps. That's all it is. It's everybody just kinda getting together and helping these people out," Niro said. "That's what we're looking for, just to make everybody happy at this time of the year."

Tavern on the Lake Manger Joan McMahan provided a room at the resturant for the wrapping event, Niro said.

In addition to dropoff locations around town, student council members at Roosevelt Public School encouraged each grade level to bring in gifts for the drive. Hightstown police picked up the gifts from the school on Dec. 15.  

"I am very, very proud of our school, our student council, our teachers who want to do something good for children who are in need or maybe aren't going to have a lot for the holidays," said Joseph Campisi, principal at Roosevelt Public School. "Anytime we can help out those that are less fortunate, that's our main goal."

The police department started the toy drive in 1994, and in 2000 Joe “Mac” McEneaney, of K&B Tattooing, partnered with police for the drive. 

Police are looking for Hightstown families who need some extra help this Christmas, and welcome any calls. Toys are available for boys or girls, from infant to age 12. Sgt. Mark Niro can be reached at 609-448-1234 x525.

Volunteers who helped wrap presents on Saturday included: Honey and Larry Fisman, Gabriella Gmeiner, Ptl. Michael Gordy, Tammy Gordy, Barbara and Kelsey Jones, Samantha Karsiewicz, Ptl. Janine Krupa, Anna McEneanry, Joe “Mac” McEneaney of K&B Tattooing, Joan McMahan, manager at Tavern on the Lake, Det. Benjamin Miller, Sgt. Mark Niro, Tyler Niro and Mike Pennisi.