National Autobody Parts Warehouse Inc. announced that it served as the headquarters for Santa
Cop and Santa’s Spot, organizations created by the Grand Prairie Police and Fire Departments that bring food and toys to needy families in Grand Prairie, Texas. For 2013, more than 400 families received food from the Grand Prairie Fire Department’s Santa’s Spot effort, and 1,500 children received toys through Santa Cop, according to volunteer Santa Cop Vice President Chris Chopin.
“Giving back to the community and being a part of this cause is an honor, and we are proud to help,” said Mike Dolabi, president of National Autobody Parts Warehouse. “Each year, our hearts are warmed and we are reminded of the importance of giving when we see people bringing toys, volunteers working late into the night and, on the final day, watching the U-Hauls leave our facility to bring happiness to so many adults and children in Grand Prairie.”
Santa Cop and Santa’s Spot toys and food were distributed at nine strategic locations throughout Grand Prairie. Families, recommended by local departments, received postcards in early December and were asked to accept these gifts.
As the year goes forward and tragedy strikes the Grand Prairie community and its citizens, the volunteers, working with Grand Prairie Police Chaplin Emil Balliet, the Police Department Victim’s Assistance team and the fire department are able to respond with food and items of need to those who experience the unexpected.
“If it wasn’t for the volunteers, we couldn’t do this. And if it weren’t for National, we would not have a headquarters,” said Santa Cop President Mark Calvert.
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