Hanover Park Lions, police lend helping hand

The Hanover Park Lions Club and Hanover Park Police Department are making for a much happier holiday season for more than 40 children and a dozen families.

Members gathered Saturday at a vacant storefront in Streamwood to pass out an array of items, including multiple boxes of food and baskets containing a turkey and other fixings for a Christmas dinner.

And to the recipients' surprise, the children also received gifts courtesy of the 61 Hanover Park police officers who make up the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 36.

“We remember waking up in the morning with a Christmas tree and gifts and how that made us feel,” officer George Sullivan said. “Sometimes people think of officers as having a hard exterior, but everyone was more than willing to get involved.”

Past Lions Club President Nikki Russ, who had a hectic week wrapping toys and collecting canned goods, said the group turned to the police department last year when its corporate sponsor backed out.

“Thank God for the FOP,” she said. “I don't know what we'd do without them.”

Russ helped pass out the presents, telling families they were from Santa's helper.

“You leave there and your heart is so warm,” Russ said. “People have tears streaming down their face because they're so surprised and grateful.”