Officers Pay It Forward

East Hampton Town police officers were on the receiving end of some generosity this holiday season, and decided to pay it forward.

Gurney’s Resort donated its facilities for the East Hampton Town Police Benevolent Association’s annual holiday party on Saturday night and hosted the party at a minimal cost, according to Anthony Bosco, the P.B.A. president. In turn, the P.B.A. decided not to charge its members to attend the party and instead asked them to take toys for local children in need. Officers past and present ended up donating a total of 40 toys for children of different ages. 

“Gurney’s did something nice for us, so we figured we would do something nice for the community,” Mr. Bosco said. The officers will distribute the toys to children in need and through community and church groups before Christmas. 

In addition, the P.B.A. sponsors two to four local families in need each year by donating toys and clothing. Kim Notel, the department’s DARE officer, gets information through the schools as to who needs help, Mr. Bosco said.

“This year we decided to expand on that and hope to continue it moving forward,” Mr. Bosco said. Given the success of the effort, the P.B.A. hopes to hold a toy drive each holiday season regardless of the cost of its holiday party, he said. 

Also last week, the Southampton Town Police Department did its part to spread some holiday cheer. Police officers from the town police, with help from New York State police officers and members of the Southampton Town Police Explorers program, took children shopping at Target in Riverhead, which had a hand in making the outing a success.

The Southampton Town Policeman’s Benevolent Association made contributions that allowed for the shopping spree. Officers also provided families who participated with dinner and cake, making for a fun night out.