NYPD and Candlelighters Deliver Holiday Joy to Families

The NYPD partnered with the Candlelighters charity on Sunday, December 14, at the Central Park Precincts stationhouse to provide families living with childhood cancer a joyous holiday experience. As snow fell on Central Park, the stationhouse was transformed into a holiday wonderland, featuring superhero characters like Spider-Man greeting children alongside NYPD officers and the K-9 unit.

Families from around the world, including the Negodiuk family who fled Ukraine due to the war and sought treatment for their son Mark, attended the event. Dima Negodiuk expressed gratitude to Barbara Zobian of Candlelighters for ensuring his child received treatment.

Zobian highlighted the importance of such celebrations, stating that children facing serious illnesses deserve to enjoy childhood activities. The event culminated with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, escorted by the NYPD Highway Patrol, where children excitedly shared their holiday wish lists.

Detective Luis Moreira emphasized that the event was not just about joy, but also about hope for the future.