Santa Brunch In Newtown Raises Hundreds For Shop With A Cop

NEWTOWN, PA — More than 100 sat down to breakfast Sunday morning with Santa who traveled to Bucks County from the North Pole to meet his adorning young fans and in support of Shop With A Cop.

A few minutes earlier, Santa had arrived at the American Legion Hall in a horse-drawn wagon courtesy of A Better Way Farms and Hutch Hamilton. He told Patch he was giving his reindeer the day off to rest up for their big trip next week.

Santa’s grand arrival was greeted by excited youngsters who jumped up and down as the jolly old soul made his way into the hall and then through a maze of tables set up for breakfast.

As the smell of freshly made waffles and pancakes hung thick in the air, adults sat down to tables decorated in festive red and green while their kids participated in crafts and facing painting activities led by Council Rock National Honor Society students.

For the event, Chef Garvey and his team whipped up a breakfast banquet featuring pancakes, waffles, potatoes and onions, sausage, scrambled eggs, assorted muffins and fresh fruit.

Santa with Hutch Hamilton. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Santa was escorted to the brunch by Hutch Hamilton and his team of Belgian horses from A Better Way Farm. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A youngster gives Santa a high-five as he arrives at the American Legion. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Santa with Chef Joe Garvey. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Upper Makefield Police Sgt. Daniel Jones with his family and Santa. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

“Joe Garvey is the man,” said Heather Roberts, who organized the event through her nonprofit, Keystone Community Coalition. “His food is outstanding.”

Gazing around at the busy Legion Hall, Roberts smiled when asked to share her thoughts. “This is awesome. This has to get you in the Christmas spirit. Everyone is having a great time. And we’re raising money for Shop With A Cop and helping many kids.”

Upper Makefield Police Sgt. Daniel Jones couldn't say enough about Roberts and her efforts in support of Shop With A Cop.

"This is fantastic," he said of the brunch. "This was all organized by Heather. She has been on board as a member of the Shop With A Cop team and has been a tremendous resource for us. You can see that in the smiles and laughter of all the kids who are here today."

Shop With A Cop is a one-day shopping spree that provides kids whose families are going through financial and personal hardships $300 each to shop for gifts for themselves and for others. They are accompanied by a police officer who is there to provide support and guidance.

This year’s magical moment played out earlier this month in the aisles of the local Target store in Middletown Township where more than 400 kids experienced the spirit of the season thanks to officers from Upper Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Northampton, Middletown, Morrisville, Upper and Lower Southampton who raised thousands of dollars to make it all happen.

The magic happens thanks to the program's generous donors and to all the people who support Shop With A Cop fundraisers throughout the year, said Upper Makefield Police Sgt. Daniel Jones.

"Shop With a Cop is so important because it provides that holiday magic to kids who actually need it," said Jones. "They need that holiday cheer. Through no fault of their own, they are going through some tough financial times and family emergencies. This provides them with that one bright spot in their holiday."

Members of the Council Rock National Honor Society offered face painting and crafts to the kids.

Members of the Council Rock National Honor Society offered face painting and crafts to the kids.

Santa with members of the Upper Makefield Police Department. (Jeff Werner/Patch)