Despite restrictions in place due to COVID-19, the Pella Police and Fire Departments partnered together for the 4th annual Holiday Heroes program this week.

Pella Police Captain Paul Haase says first responders collect donations and support from residents and area businesses to purchase gifts and make the holidays a bit brighter for 27 local children, nominated by counselors at Pella and Pella Christian schools.

Haase says he’s thankful for all who contribute to the project each year through the Pella Police Department’s Officers Association, and he looks forward to the 5th annual event next winter and a return to more normalcy, as he and fellow officers and firefighters missed interacting with the kids. Instead of an in-person event this week, officers received lists in advance and dropped off gifts to families as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Hear more about the 4th annual Holiday Heroes on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.