TOMS RIVER – In a plot twist that could rival the best crime dramas, the recent spectacle of multiple police cars converging on “Steals and Deals” turned out to be a scene of goodwill.
What might have looked like a SWAT team was actually a heartwarming undercover operation – a toy distribution extravaganza for local kids. Dozens of officers from 15 Ocean County law enforcement agencies and the Howell Police Department responded to the call.
Although the cops themselves were armed and ready with shopping carts, authorities have confirmed more of the roster of their lead accomplices.
Chaplain Yisroel Bursztyn of the National Chaplains Association said the toys were intended for law enforcement agencies to distribute and create memories for life. The National Chaplains Association masterminded the orchestration of the holiday heist in collaboration with Wellpoint, formerly known as Amerigroup Community Care, and the Steals and Deals store.
Law enforcement personnel had a good time shopping for children in need. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“The purpose is very simple,” said Bursztyn. “Children deserve everything – no matter how much we give them, we should be giving them more. Children all want toys.”
Dr. Patrick Fox, who serves as Wellpoint/Amerigroup president, said his organization covers healthcare expenses as part of the state’s Medicaid program. Benefits are afforded to many families without substantial resources or individuals with disabilities.
“We recognize that many people in New Jersey have significant needs,” Fox shared. “So, we worked with our community partners, law enforcement, and leadership within the Jewish community to make sure that these kids don’t go through a holiday without toys.”
Fox added that his organization believes in giving back to the community and works with helping other underprivileged children throughout the state during the holidays.
A vast array of toys was systematically carted out during the sanctioned raid. Fox took a hands-on approach, personally assisting individual officers in loading up a variety of items, including baby dolls, remote-controlled vehicles, Nerf guns and other toys.
Cops walked out armed with shopping carts filled with toys for holiday gifts. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, the county’s top law enforcement officer, was on the scene and had some fun with the store’s name as he expressed his appreciation.
“Somehow, they got the prosecutor and law enforcement to come to a place called ‘Steals and Deals,’” joked Bilheimer. “I want to thank the National Chaplains Association for all the work they do and all law enforcement for being here. I appreciate the generosity.”
The Howell Police Department was the only law enforcement agency outside of Ocean County that participated in this year’s toy distribution. Other participating agencies included the Ocean County Department of Corrections, Ocean County Juvenile Detention, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and police departments from Toms River, Jackson, Pine Beach, Plumsted, Lakewood, Beachwood, Brick, Lakehurst, Manchester, Berkeley and South Toms River.
Howell Township Police participated in the event in Ocean County. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Gary Quinn, Ocean County Deputy Director of the Board of Commissioners also appeared at the event and expressed his appreciation to all of the law enforcement agencies for their role in distributing the gifts. He thanked them for putting their lives on the line and for truly making a difference in the lives of others.
Multiple police cars in front of Steals and Deals on Hooper Avenue turned out to be a scene of goodwill. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
The National Chaplains Association supports law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, healthcare institutions, and government departments across the nation. Chaplains are available around the clock, promptly addressing each crisis with empathy, professionalism, and efficiency.
Cops walked out armed with shopping carts filled with toys for holiday gifts. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
According to Chaplain Yaakov Wenger, the toy distribution drive hosted at Steals and Deals started last year. Wenger commended the store owner for his willingness to give back to the community, which is the goal of the program.
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