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Delivering to those most deserving, Philly SWAT becomes Santa Claus
From SWAT team to Santa’s helpers, officers delivered a dose of cheer to local kids ahead of the holiday.
PHILADELPHIA - From SWAT team to Santa’s helpers – Friday, the officers delivered a dose of cheer to local kids ahead of the holiday.
A big, bad, mean, menacing-looking armored Philadelphia Police SWAT truck showed off its soft side, becoming Santa’s sleigh, filled to capacity by the tough SWAT team who loaded gifts instead of guns into their vehicles and helped by Homeland Security Investigations staff and volunteers.
Lt. William Schmid, with the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT explained, "Usually, the first time you see the cops or SWAT, it's an emergency. You're having a really bad day. In this situation, the exact opposite is gonna happen. We're gonna bring a little Christmas to some of the kids who most need it in our community."
There were tons of toys, wrapped gifts for each specific child. And bikes. Lots of bikes, big and small, for kids large and little. All with their names attached for each child who was hoping Santa would bring them one and for moms who can’t afford to buy bicycles for their children.
All of the treasures bought or donated through an officers charity started years ago by just-retired Officer Ashley Capaldi, who spent her last five years on the force in the Special Victims Unit, where she saw the worst crimes against kids.
"I feel a duty to serve and feel like kids are a soft spot," Capaldi stated. "So that no child should go without a Christmas and when you have in life, you have to give."
They delivered toys in their trucks to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and then on to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and finally to a community organizer’s home in Fishtown.
Lt. Schmid remarked, "We get to bring a little joy. To see the smiles on the little kids’ faces, the cheers, the waves – the guys love it."
Michelle Ludwig, Homeland Security Investigations Victims Assistance Specialist, said, "Just to be able to give back to an underserved community, to be able to just help people and put a smile on someone's face puts a smile on my face."
And, Special Agent in Charge, with Homeland Security Investigations, commented, "This is the spirit and season of giving and this is how we give back each and every day. To make sure those who are less fortunate, those who are traumatized, who are victims, this is our way of turning victims into survivors."
Lt. Schmid added, "Definitely one of the biggest joys we get out the year is doing this."