TOMS RIVER, NJ – When the state of Kentucky was ravaged with catastrophic damage on December 10th, caused by an EF-4 tornado that killed 56 and injured 308, it left a path of destruction that was all too familiar with residents in the New Jersey Shore town of Toms River.
In 2012, Toms River and surrounding shore communities were devastated by Superstorm Sandy. The Toms River beachfront community of Ortley Beach was ground zero for the storm’s landfall and to this day, scars of the hurricane remain throughout the community.
Now, the families and children who lived through the destruction of Superstorm Sandy paid it forward to the residents and police officers in Kentucky. In December children in Toms River sent the Kentucky State Police officers Christmas cards for those members impacted by the tornado’s wrath.
“After the devastating tornados ripped through Kentucky in December, we learned many of their State Troopers and first responders lost their homes, yet continued to work every day for their community,” the Toms River Police Department said in a statement. “Remembering the comfort we felt when we received care packages after Hurricane Sandy, TRPD employees started a collection for gift cards to send to Kentucky. Lester Glenn Auto group gathered lots of gift cards to add, and West Dover and Cedar Grove Elementary students made beautiful holiday cards to send too.”
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Today, the KSP thanked Toms River for its generosity.
“We want to thank the Toms River Police Department and Toms River Township Government, New Jersey community for their very gracious donation of gift cards and hand-written Christmas cards for our troopers, officers, and post staff who were impacted by the December tornadoes. Your kindness is very appreciated,” The KSP shared on Facebook.
The effort was coordinated by Toms River Police Officers Sgt. Chris McDowell and Sgt. Ted Malony. In the mix of handmade Christmas cards were some pretty cool Toms River Police Department challenge coins.
It was made possible through the work of the employees at the Toms River Police Department, students at West Dover and Cedar Grove Elementary schools, and the team at Lester Glenn Auto Group.