Heidelberg Police Spread Holiday Cheer

Before Santa Claus hands out gifts to all the good little girls and boys, it’s Heidelberg police officers spreading Christmas cheer during the holidays.

in the tiny borough raised money during a recent golf outing to purchase 100 school book bags that were given to some Charties Valley students.

Heidelberg police Chief Vernon Barkley handed out the book bags at school bus stops and knocked on neighborhood doors to give out the gifts. The book bags, which are four different colors, have the police department’s shield and a message to “Join the Fight for a Drug Free America” on the back.

Barkley said it’s "an important message that they will see daily” and an opportunity for the police department to give back.

“(It’s) a nice practical and useful Christmas gift from the Heidelberg Police Department with a big message we hope that these children and all those that see the message will think about for many years to come,” Barkley said.

During borough safety days in the past, police officers handed out prizes to children and adults that include bikes, helmets, smoke detectors and sporting equipment. Over the past two years, the department has raised money during charity golf outings with neighboring police departments.

“The bottom line is giving back to the community,” Barkley said.

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