Mike Borden, Fall River Police, volunteers, brighten Christmas for city kids

For over 20 years now, Mike Borden from Massachusetts Probation, along with the Fall River Police Department, collect or purchase toys for children that may go without at Christmas.

In an effort that is intentionally done without much fanfare, this past weekend, the annual drive’s mission was complete as joy was brought to many Fall River families.

Toys were donated through various events, a drop-off at SouthCoast Marketplace on Black Friday, and the generosity of supporters.

Saturday, 100 elves arrived at Blessed Trinity Church to take part in a wrapping party to put the finishing touches on the culmination of a year long venture.

Once all of the presents were wrapped, the gifts were delivered by officers from the Fall River Police Department.

Father Rob Nemkovich, pastor at Blessed Trinity Church, stated that this was the biggest year yet for the drive. This was despite the drive’s usual main supplier of toys, Hasbro, having new company rules that made them no longer able to donate to the cause.

According to Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, 5,000 gifts were collected for 251 kids in 150 families which is proof positive that once again, the Fall River community came together to help those in need.