Manchester PBA Helps Children Share Dinner With Santa

(Members of Manchester PBA 246 (posing in photo 1) partnered with members of the community and local business during the annual “Dinner with Santa” held at the Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Department headquarters on Friday, Dec. 12. Credit: Manchester Township PBA)

Manchester Police Benevolent Association 246 was pleased to partner with members of the community and local businesses to help bring the holiday spirit to children in need during its annual “Dinner with Santa.”

More than 170 local children and their families attended the event on Friday, Dec. 12, at the Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Department headquarters. There, the grade school-aged children from Manchester’s elementary schools enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and received a gift from Santa himself.

“At this time of year, it’s important for the community to come together to spread some holiday cheer to families in need,” said Manchester PBA 246 President Paul Bachovchin. “It is always a joy to celebrate the holiday season and watch their faces when they receive a gift from Santa.”

More than 25 current and former members of Manchester PBA 246 and their families worked the dinner and helped ensure its success. Also in attendance were Manchester Township Mayor-Elect Ken Palmer, Council Vice President Brendan Weiner, and Kevin Burger, the retired Manchester schools administrator who founded the holiday Kevin’s Kids toy drive.

Manchester PBA 246 is grateful for the generous donations of food from: Luigi’s Pizzeria, Restaurant and Lounge of Lakehurst, Café Napoli of Manchester, Heritage Restaurant of Whiting, Three B’s of Lakehurst, Joey’s Restaurant of Whiting, and Manchester Shoprite. Manchester PBA 246 also would like to thank Manchester Township High School’s cheerleaders and Michael Thorpe of Balloons New Jersey for volunteering their time and contributions. The kindness of these partners helped to ensure the continued success of this annual dinner.