Our Reason for the Season BY BILL WESTENBERGER
There’s a chill in the air just in time for a season in their own way. We all can look back through our that brings warmth to our hearts. Recognizing that lives and instantly think of people or organizations this season means many things to many people that have given us a hand-up to make us who we only multiplies the opportunities of fulfillment that are today; it is the beauty of giving. comes from the joy of giving. Each of us finds a There are many organizations providing help way to give back, feeding our hearts with a joy that during this time of year. It almost seems like there is hard to match. Whether it’s a financial gift, or a would be enough to go around, but clearly it’s not. gift of personal time/attention, for a Unfortunately, so many throughout our family member, friend, or charitable community go without. The last couple organization, it’s amazing to see the of years have been critically hard for Through the impact and ripple effect of a gift. too many. years, I know It continues to be an honor for For several decades, the Kennesaw Police Department (KPD) has been us to engage our community in this this outpouring humbled to host the Jerry Worthan way every year. We all remain blessed of love has Memorial Christmas Fund. For those through the vision Jerry Worthan had that don’t know, Jerry Worthan was to put this all together so many years brought many a Kennesaw council member. He and hope that it remains in place smiles to children ago, established the fund so children in for several more decades. Kennesaw would not go without No matter your reason, whether or throughout the Christmas gifts. After his untimely not you celebrate the season, the gift community. death in 1998, KPD continued the of giving is one of the most valuable tradition in his honor to memorialize experiences. If you would like to be a all he did for the community. part of this amazing opportunity, either through To receive gifts, families in need contact the giving or receiving, contact us at KPD_PIO@ police department and fill out a form with gift kennesaw-ga.gov or 770-429-4532. The deadline suggestions for their children. Then community for signing up to receive gifts is Dec. 14. All members and KPD staff can adopt local families donations and gift cards can be dropped off at this Christmas. A few days before Christmas, KPD/City Hall by Dec. 14. families can pick up the gifts at the police Until next time ... stay safe. department. This fund allows parents/caregivers the opportunity to provide for their children with dignity on the big day. Through the years, I know this outpouring Bill Westenberger has served as chief since of love has brought many smiles to children 2008. He was given the 2019 Kennesaw throughout the community. I can imagine the Citizen of the Year Award. recipient children, who are now adults giving back
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AROUND KENNESAW | December 2021
