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Police Deliver Gifts & Smiles To Children In Area Hospitals

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Local police officers are doing what they can to put smiles on kids' faces this holiday season.

They're donating gifts to children who might not be able to spend Christmas at home.

Tyson Donaldson has been in the hospital since Oct. 21. A month later, he came to the Children's Institute of Pittsburgh.

"It's nice to see that the community here is helping kids that aren't fortunate enough to be home for Christmas," Stephanie Donaldson said.

Tyson received a Rubik's cube from the group Presents from Police with departments up and down the Allegheny River.

"Reserve, Millvale, Aspinwall, the City of Pittsburgh Police escorted us up here today. So, there hasn't been a department that we have talked to that doesn't want to help out or doesn't want to get involved," David Nemec, of Presents from Police, said.

Six years ago, they started by filling a half dozen squad cars and gave gift to kids at Children's Hospital. Now, they fill box trucks and the Children's Institute of Pittsburgh has been added to their gift list.

"At this time of year, we are really dependent on the philanthropic community, the generosity of the community, and making sure that we can give back, can give to these kids to make their Christmases," Children's Institute of Pittsburgh President and CEO David Miles said.

Seeing big burly cops spending time with the kids is precious.

"We have a side of us that needs to be rougher if need be, but there is a softness of heart that we as police officers love to see children smile. We like to see people happy," Nemec said.

And there was no shortage of appreciation.

"People from all around giving a positive feel to everyone," Tyson Donaldson said.

Because every day these cops live by the adage that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

"If you have a dollar, it all adds up to buy one present, you know. And what's more could put a smile on your face than a child opening up a present around Christmas?" Nemec said.

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