POUGHKEEPSIE – A successful dessert drive by the City of Poughkeepsie police department resulted in many families in the city getting special treats on Wednesday. The police, with the support of many residents and businesses, collected more than 500 cakes, pies, boxed cookies, and cupcakes that they delivered throughout Poughkeepsie on Wednesday.
Detective Karen Zirbel, the School Resource Officer at Poughkeepsie High School, said that teachers in the district recommended several students who are deserving of special recognition based on their performance and behavior, and those children received a delivery from police just before Thanksgiving.
The police also delivered dozens of desserts to the local shelters and nursing homes, to bring joy to those in need.
“The outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming,” said Officer Kevin Van Wagner, the PBA President. “Our officers do good things for this city every day and we enjoy delivering the treats and interacting with children and adults in a positive manner.”
Eight-year-old Tabitha Canning of Hyde Park met with Mayor Rob Rolison on Tuesday at city hall and brought cupcakes for the dessert drive and another batch for the cops.
The two delivered cupcakes to the police station before heading to the Main Street Public Safety Building for the dessert drive. Rolison and the young lady also discussed several ideas that the young lady has to help those that need assistance.
“Tabitha has some incredible ideas and I’m going to work with her on a few great projects,” Rolison said.
In addition to the treats, Tabitha delivered several new basketballs for the upcoming toy drive that the police conduct. Described as a “kindhearted young lady” by officers, Tabitha also donated several new knit hats that she asked the police to hand out to kids that need them. Van Wagner, who serves in the Community Policing Unit said that the unit will carry the hats while on patrol and give them to children that do not have a hat to wear for the winter.
“I like making people happy,” said the home-schooled Tabitha. John and Diana Canning accompanied their daughter and Rolison on Tuesday. “It is humbling to see all of her ideas that involve helping others and it’s awesome to see them come to fruition,” said Mrs. Canning.
