Old Bridge Local 127 went all out to secure Santa and his toys this year. The Local, along with the Old Bridge Police Department, hosted a successful 24th Annual Cops for Kids Holiday Party for local families in need on Dec. 4. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions prompted an outdoor drive-thru “Winter Wonderland” event, where families were greeted by police and township employees who went with their families.
Families were also able to enter a raffle for a chance to win a 36-inch television, six drones and seven bicycles as holiday gifts, which were presented by none other than Santa and his No. 1 elf, Bella.
“We went in with no expectations because this is the first time we ever did the event outside,” said Old Bridge Local President Vinny Galgano. “And it turned out better than expected.”
Local 127 member Chris Heredia played Santa and his elf was Bella Rondinelli, who worked hard to make the event a true holiday party for the children of the families. The event also featured a 
free dinner and ice cream for dessert, compliments of Friendly’s of Old Bridge.
Several Old Bridge businesses participated in the event through donations of food, gifts or funding, including DuPont, DeFino Contracting, Old Bridge Militia, Bagel Boy, Giuseppe’s, Krispy Pizza, Domino’s, Aiello’s, KFC, Nicolo’s, LaDolce, Meliani’s, Old Bridge Pizza, ShopRite, Grand Marquis, Outback Steakhouse, McDonald’s, Texas Roadhouse, Bubba’s 33, Palms
Plaza, Top Hat Catering and Wegmans.
“Remarkably, this year we got more donations for the kids than we had ever gotten,” Galgano shared. “People realized that kids are really struggling during this pandemic and needed a pick-me-up.”
