• Officer Mankowski meeting the Haslett Girl Scouts

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Whether or not it is practiced religiously, Christmas is celebrated by many American's during December each year. It is a religious celebration for some and a chance to spend time with friends and family for others. Regardless of the reason, presents for all the good little girls and boys is a staple of the cultural part of the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately not all children find presents under a tree on Christmas morning.

That's where Meridian Township's Gayelord Mankowski comes in for Mid-Michigan families and children struggling with making ends meet during the holiday season. For 22 years now, Mankowski, a Meridian Township Police Officer has raised money for underprivileged families and children in the community. With the help of school counselors, Mankowski gathers local families mainly from Meridian Township, and throws a festive holiday party complete with a hot meal, a chance to meet and sit on Santa's lap, and a present or two of the child's choosing which Mankowski and other volunteers purchase prior to the annual holiday event.

For his role in serving kids in the area as well as hosting his annual holiday party, the Haslett Girl Scouts honored Officer Mankowski as a Hometown Hero in early December during a small ceremony at the Meridian Township Police Station and presented him with 36 tins of nuts and candy for his 2013 holiday party. The nuts and candy were bought by generous donors during the Haslett Girl Scouts' "Fall Product" Program.

Giving back to the community is in Mankowski blood, and traces back to his childhood. He may not be Santa but he certainly helped bring smiles to many faces during this year's party and he hopes to help local children and families have a happy Christmas by providing them a hot meal and a present under the tree for as long as he can.