Indianapolis, Indiana – During its annual “Breakfast with Santa,” the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department assisted in bringing holiday pleasure to hundreds of families on Saturday morning.
More than 500 families were fed by the event, currently in its 31st year. Families from all around the Indianapolis region traveled to the IMPD Southeast District to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, dine, see a live reindeer, and pick out a gift for their children to take home.
“It’s awesome,” IMPD Public Relations Officer Andrew Sheler said. “There’s really no other way to describe it other than that it’s a very relaxed atmosphere. We get to be a little more relaxed than our normal job duties.”
Sheler claimed that the occasion is a fantastic opportunity to assist neighborhood families over the holidays. He claimed that he enjoys witnessing the youngsters’ enthusiasm when they come to visit.
“To me it’s crazy,” Sheler smiled. “You can watch a lot of these kids walk out grinning from ear to ear. There’s sheer excitement a lot of time when they come in here and find the toy they’ve been dying to get or just like, ‘Man, I have to have this toy.’
“So we’re just very fortunate to have those opportunities to do that through sponsors and community partnerships.”
Sheler claimed that while the occasion benefits Indianapolis families, it also provides an excellent chance for the cops.
“This is a great way for our officers to engage with the community on a larger basis within a short period of time,” he said. “It’s a very positive environment. We’re getting to give back to the community that we love and serve.”
Sheeler expressed his gratitude for the community’s help in making the event happen. Randal Taylor, the chief of the IMPD, and Mayor Joe Hogsett were also there.
