U.S. Army troops from the Teaneck Armory put some precision into a local toy collecting operation organized by the men and women of Bergen County’s police benevolent associations, with support and generosity from local donors, on Dec. 18 at the Closter Hook and Ladder Co. The troops are joined by Santa and toy drive founder, retired Closter police Sgt. Donald Nicoletti. | Photo by Murray Bass
CLOSTER, N.J.—Residents answered a call by local police and emergency officials to donate this year—and the result was toys piled waist-high inside the Closter Hook and Ladder Co. firehouse on Dec. 18, as emergency officials worked diligently in a new role as Santa’s helpers, sorting and preparing the gifts for kids in need.
The 31st Annual Bergen County Police Benevolent Association Toy Drive builds upon a beloved tradition that sees season-brightening gifts distributed to hospitals, charities, shelters, and homes that could use some holiday help.
Santa’s helpers work together at PBA Toy Drive. | Photo by Murray Bass
Retired Closter Police Sgt. Donald Nicoletti, toy drive founder and organizer, has said that the annual toy drive “keeps growing and growing,” and the regional effort mobilizes into what is fondly known as Santa’s Response Team.
Northvale Police Chief Howard Ostrow and Capt. Robert Pizzi took their motorcycles over to the Closter Hook and Ladder Co. to support the effort. | Photo by Murray Bass
Hundreds of first responders from Bergen County gathered together to help sort and deliver thousands of toys.
Cresskill police officers and other area police join retired Closter police Sgt. Donald Nicoletti—wearing his “Godfather” sweater, indicating his status as the toy drive founder—gather in front of a truck load of toys to be donated to kids in need. | Photo by Murray Bass
