UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - More than one hundred children arrived at Central Elementary School in Okemos for the event, where each child anxiously awaited for their names to be called for a Christmas toy of their choice. Officer Mankowski and several high school volunteers helped put the event together making this year the biggest turn out in twenty years. Mankowski said it was his father who inspred him to give back.

Food and treats were provided for the children and their families and of course the party could not have been complete without the big man in red himself making a special appearance, leaving all the the children with holiday smiles.




ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A local Meridian Township cop has continued his tradition of giving back to needy children for over 20 years; and on Saturday, December 15, he strived to once again spread smiles to children.