$1,500 in donations to charities
By: Rachel Silverman
Members of the Princeton Policemen’s Benevolent Association No. 130 are not only looking out for the safety of the public this holiday season; they’re also spreading a bit of holiday cheer.
The police union, which includes 65 borough and township officers, has donated roughly $1,500 to area fundraisers.
"We try to give back," union President Ben Gering said in a phone interview Monday. "We try to bring a little bit more holiday spirit."
The union is involved with several charity drives this year, having donated $500 to the Princeton Human Services Commission for a winter coat drive, and another $500 for children’s gifts.
According to volunteer Carolyn Bender, a former Princeton Borough clerk, these contributions were much appreciated.
Because of a new $40 spending limit per child, Ms. Bender said she and other Human Services Commission volunteers were worried many children might have to choose between a coat and another gift this holiday season.
"How do you not buy a kid a coat?" Ms. Bender asked, explaining that many of the children come from lower-income families and do not have basic winter necessities.
"I wanted to cry when I had to tell some of the contacts they were going to get a coat," she said. "To me, that’s not a gift. That’s a necessity."
But the police union came the rescue, chipping in to the toy fund so the kids wouldn’t have to chose between the two.
"The PBA came out with guns blazing," Ms. Bender said. "They have been phenomenal."
In addition, the union sent a $500 check to Toys for Tots, an organization that provides toys to needy children.
Officer Gering said money came from PBA’s solicitations account.
"The funds come from the community and go back to the community," he explained.
Through this type of service, the PBA hopes to earn the community’s trust.
"The other side of it is to make a better community as best we can outside our stereotypical role as police officers," Officer Gering said, "to try to get a more positive relationship with our community.
"These are the things you do when you’re in a position to help people," he added.