Christmas came early for around 300 kids from North Philadelphia on Sunday thanks to Temple University‘s Department of Public Safety, who held its annual holiday party for families in the college’s community. In it’s 28th year, the event once again gave out gifts and celebrated Christmas, all while giving the community in North Philadelphia a chance to meet and interact with Temple’s police officers. “To give back, to bring people together. We know it’s been a really challenging year for a lot of families in our community,” said Chief of Temple University Public Safety Jennifer Griffin. “We want to start the holiday season off with fun festivities, lots of entertainment and then at the end they get a gift and a book for the holidays.” Temple police partnered with Toys for Tots and several other organizations to collect around 1,500 gifts for the 300 kids on hand. “We are into giving back and we want them to understand us as well as us understanding them. Bridging that gap,” said Temple University Police Officer Leroy Wimberly. Volunteers at the university joined the effort and spent three days wrapping all the gifts for the event. “There’s so many gifts here, more than I could have ever thought,” said one volunteer. “It’s just such a great opportunity.” And, the folks at Temple had a special gift for Johshonna Sexton, a single mom of three who has had an especially difficult year. Sexton was gifted a grocery gift card and a computer for her family. “Shocked, grateful, appreciative,” Sexton said. Her 11-year-old daughter agreed, saying Sunday was one of the best days ever. “It makes me feel heart warmed,” she said. ...read more read less