THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 24, 1994 TAG: 9412270253
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
Santa Claus came early for 50 needy Norfolk families, but instead of wearing a red suit and driving a reindeer-powered sleigh, he was sporting a blue uniform and steering a police car.
The International Brotherhood of Police Officers, the Tidewater Law Enforcement Officers Association and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Number 3 teamed up to provide Christmas baskets for families that would otherwise go without a holiday dinner.
This is the third year the groups have joined to spread some Christmas cheer.
``The baskets contained turkey, stuffing, canned goods, macaroni and cheese, apples, and other things to provide a nice meal,'' said FOP president Bob Wash.
The families were identified, Wash said, ``by police officers on the beat, social services and landlords.''
The baskets were delivered to the families Friday morning by police officers, sheriff deputies and security officers from Norfolk State University.
Wash said that at least two of the officers wore Santa Claus hats and beards as they made their deliveries. by CNB