"That's Who We Are"

     (1) email; (4) days; (over $6000); (over 100 toys)

That's right...the generosity of so many people is absolutely amazing. What started with an email stating Taylor and my intentions to travel to Newtown and our desire to deliver gifts to many of the people most intimately affected by the tragedy, has culminated in a pick up truck load of toys and thousands of dollars in gift cards to be donated to teachers, firefighters and police officers. All in just four days. Four of the busiest days of the year, and yet so many people found time, no, made time, to give to this cause. The first day after the email was sent I arrived home with my Trailblazer literally filled to the ceiling with toys and my front seat lost in a sea of gift cards. Later that evening I met up with a friend and fellow officer and told him how incredible the initial response had been. I told him I could not believe how many people wanted to be a part of this. His response was poignant; " That's who we are." His words only reiterated what I already knew. Police Officers are often chastised as insensitive, cynical and many other derogatory words. Yet, time and again I have witnessed our law enforcement family come together to support those in need. More than one of the officers I collected donations from literally cried because they were so upset about the tragedy and so moved by our efforts. Nothing insensitive about that. 

But this has been about much more than the police community and their generosity. It has been about a community and its generosity. Its about the owner of Fun and Games toy store who gave several boxes of nice new toys for the cause. Its about the random stranger in the toy store who overheard a conversation about the trip and offered up $25 on the spot. Its about the employees of Sandy Spring Bank whom I know from personal experience give generously to many causes throughout the year and were able to come up with several hundred dollars and three bags of toys in less than 24 hours. Its about the child that asks that their gift card be given specifically to a male teacher because she has been so impressed by her male math teacher. Its the neighbor that hears what you are doing and insists on being included. There are so many people within the police department and in the community as a whole who have given generously.

In sum, its the human experience that makes this so special. During one of my many stops to pick up donations I had a conversation with a woman whose best friend worked with my father at Holy Cross Hospital. She told me how her friend has often talked about what a good man my father was. My father passed away three years ago and it was the single greatest loss I have ever experienced. It was such a gift to hear from someone that my dad had touched their life. For that I am especially grateful to have become involved in this cause. 

Taylor writing thank you cards to the Sandy Hook Elementary teachers and enclosing gift cards.