By PETE FONTAINE
A record!
That’s what the Johnston Police Explorers set last Thursday evening during what may have been the largest and fastest Christmas Gift Wrapping Party in Post 405’s 20-year plus history.
“I can’t believe all the people that showed up here tonight,” said George Arakelian, who serves as president Post 405’s Advisory Group. “As you can see, this place is packed and that’s a wonderful thing.”
Although neither Arakelian nor Lt. Steve Guilmette, who serves as Co-Coordinator of the JPD supported youth group offered any specific number, it’s estimated that perhaps as many as 120 people of all ages gift wrapped a record-setting 1,000 Christmas presents that will be given to needy children in Johnston.
What was perhaps more incredible, Arakelian, Guilmette and other adult volunteers who have taken part in the unique event for many years concurred, was that each and every gift was hand wrapped in 60 minutes.
“We started a little after six o’clock,” Arakelian explained while watching the goings-on inside the Johnston Senior Center’s packed multi-purpose room, “and here it is just a little past seven and we’re done. I can’t tell you how exciting this night was and how much we appreciate everyone’s help.”
The gift wrapping crew, as someone called the army of volunteers, included members of Johnston Boy Scout Troop 20 and the Cub Scout Pack that also meets at St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church, along with members of Girl Scout Troop 1148 that meets at Cherry Hill Manor.
The Girl Scouts came well-prepared as they took in a creative gift wrapping demonstration at a recent meeting.
“This is such a nice event,” said Michelle Pereira, whose daughter Mia was among the Troop 1149 girls who wrapped gifts. “Our girls had lots of fun, too!”
While the gift wrapping party included a number of firsts, and a fun filled visit from Santa “Mike Audette” Claus, winners took home some cash prizes after having their tickets pulled from a gallon jug that was nearly full. Diana Jordan, a one-time Explorer, won the top prize of $1,000.
“People were really generous in supporting our raffle,” Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian, the Post 405 Treasurer, offered while writing one of the winning checks. “The residents of Johnston will again make Christmas special for a number of needy children and for that we thank each and every person for their unmatched generosity during this year’s Toy Drive.”
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