MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Gayelord Mankowski, a retired Police Officer has thrown a Christmas party for the last 26 years in Meridian Township. The party helps underprivileged kids enjoy the "Merry" in Merry Christmas.

In the beginning stages, Mankowski funded the gathering with his own money. More than 150 children attended the party last year and Mankowski and his team had to go to the store and buy more half way through the event. Now people are donating on GoFundMe accounts raising $1,800.00. With donations coming from GoFundMe and other small business $10,000 was raised.

Before the event, Mankowski and Meridian Township Police officers went through Target picking out toys, bikes, candy and other items for the party.

Of course it wouldn't be a Christmas party if Santa didn't make an appearance. Kids get to see Santa on a fire truck and tell Santa what they want for Christmas. A pizza lunch including pop, cookies and candy is also provided for the kids and their parents.

The party doesn't stop there. Once kids belly's are full, their names are drawn from a hat and each kid picks a present.

Each year Mankowski's Holiday Party grows, 100 percent of all contributions minus the GoFundMe fees will go toward the cause. Mankowski's Holiday party is on December 12th at Central Elementary School from 12-1:30 pm.