Bill Westenberger

Our Reason for the Season

BY BILL WESTENBERGER

There’s a chill in the air just in time for a season that brings warmth to our hearts. Recognizing that this season means many things to many people only multiplies the opportunities of fulfillment that comes from the joy of giving. Each of us finds a way to give back, feeding our hearts with a joy that " is hard to match. Whether it’s a financial gift, or a gift of personal time/attention, for a family member, friend, or charitable organization, it’s amazing to see the impact and ripple effect of a gift.

For several decades, the Kennesaw Police Department (KPD) has been humbled to host the Jerry Worthan Memorial Christmas Fund. For those that don’t know, Jerry Worthan was a Kennesaw council member. He established the fund so children in Kennesaw would not go without Christmas gifts. After his untimely death in 1998, KPD continued the tradition in his honor to memorialize all he did for the community.

To receive gifts, families in need contact the police department and fill out a form with gift suggestions for their children. Then community members and KPD staff can adopt local families this Christmas. A few days before Christmas, families can pick up the gifts at the police 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 of love has brought many smiles to children Bill Westenberger has served as chief since 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 in their own way. We all can look back through our lives and instantly think of people or organizations that have given us a hand-up to make us who we are today; it is the beauty of giving. There are many organizations providing help during this time of year. It almost seems like there would be enough to go around, but clearly it’s not. Unfortunately, so many throughout our community go without. The last couple Through the of years have been critically hard for years, I know too many. It continues to be an honor for this outpouring us to engage our community in this of love has way every year. We all remain blessed through the vision Jerry Worthan had brought many to put this all together so many years smiles to children ago, and hope that it remains in place for several more decades. throughout the No matter your reason, whether or not you celebrate the season, the gift of giving is one of the most valuable experiences. If you would like to be a part of this amazing opportunity, either through community." giving or receiving, contact us at KPD_PIO@ kennesaw-ga.gov or 770-429-4532. The deadline for signing up to receive gifts is Dec. 14. All donations and gift cards can be dropped off at KPD/City Hall by Dec. 14. Until next time ... stay safe.