ITS “CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY” On December 25th, 2014 the Updike family of Pinetop, Arizona had an emergency. Young Adam, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, had to be transported to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Adam’s siblings, 7 year old Noelle and 13 year old Tenille, who also suffer from this disease, and 15 year old Julianna had to be with their brother on this Christmas day and so they made the trip to the hospital. Far away from home there wasn’t much in the way of presents for the Updike children, but there was an over-abundance of the true spirit of the holiday in their hearts and the hope that Adam would be OK. Phoenix Police Officers of the 51G Squad, Central City Precinct discovered the Updike family had to spend Christmas at the hospital. Upon hearing their story, these police officers knew these children, though tough and true in their spirit, should not go without enjoying the childhood traditions of the Christmas holiday. And so, along with Phoenix Police Lieutenant Tina Gonzales, the squad pooled their money and went to the local Wal-Mart to purchase gifts. Funny thing about the Christmas spirit; once Wal-Mart learned the reason for the officer’s visit, the store offered the employee discount to keep the cost down and to allow the officer-elves to buy more…and then a citizen heard the officers talking about the mission and she donated a Wal-Mart gift card for the family. On December 27th, 2014 eight masked Law Enforcement elves arrived at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Adam, Noelle, Julianna and Tenille Updike had their Christmas. To see their faces and their appreciation, well, good thing the elves were wearing masks. The Phoenix Police Department would like to thank Wal-Mart, our anonymous citizen donor, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and, of course, officers Justin Prewitt, Matt Dane, Geoffrey Francetic, Ashley Irvin, Joseph Congero, Nate Champlain, Ryne Zeller and Sergeant Bryan Hanania (pictured), and Officers Mike Hayes, Steve Schoon, Steve Lewes and Lieutenant Tina Gonzales. This gift was in the true spirit of the season; this proves it truly is “Christmas Every Day”. We give in a time of need because there is a need and so we are neighbors; but when we rest our heads in the eve we smile; it’s that feeling, and it’s why we give.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 02:37:48 +0000
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