POUGHKEEPSIE – Santa has enlisted the help of Poughkeepsie police and firefighters to provide the city with a “Winter Wonderland” that the jolly old elf can visit this Friday to hand out toys to children in the community. According to the uniformed elves, Santa will be at the City of Poughkeepsie Public Safety Building on Friday, December 15, 2023, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and visitors can walk or drive through the “Winter Wonderland” on their way to visit the headliner and receive a gift.
Through a partnership with union electricians from IBEW Local 320, Winter Wonderland will certainly entertain the children this year. “The IBEW made a financial donation to the PBA to help us help our community,” said PBA President Kevin Van Wagner. “The IBEW went above and beyond by making a tremendous donation of toys that will be handed out on Friday night.” In addition to the officers from the PBA, the city’s firefighters from IAFF Local 596 have also helped to create the Winter Wonderland.
“The city’s firefighters and police officers are always willing to step up and help the community that we serve. We understand that many families are struggling to get presents for their kids and celebrate the holidays – and that’s why we help out,” said IAFF Local 596 Vice-president Brian Ineson.
Van Wagner said the off-duty officers and firefighters helping on Friday night volunteered for the assignment. “It’s our way of giving back to the community,” he said. “Some of these families don’t get to experience the whole adventure or feeling of what Christmas is all about. It’s about showing people that you care about them, spending time together, and trying to spread cheer, and that’s what we are trying to help with.”
