Around the holidays, we are all reminded of the importance of giving, but one local youngster decided to give in a big way simply because he wanted to help an Upper Macungie police canine stay safe all year long.

After hearing about a benefit at Texas Roadhouse restaurant to raise money for H.O.W.L. (Hounds On Working Leashes), seven-year-old Justin Jankowski of Fogelsville asked his mother if he could donate his saved money to help purchase a ballistic/stab vest.

According to his mother, Jennifer Jankowski, Justin is pretty good at saving his money. “We make him earn the money for the things he wants to do,” she said. “He does work around the house and at his grandparents’ house also.”

Jankowski, who is in second grade at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Orefield, and also studies karate at Lehigh Valley Martial Arts where he has earned a brown belt, had just about enough money in his savings to cover the $1,400 cost for one vest.

He had been saving the money as part of his quarter midget racing fund, an activity that Justin has been involved with for a few years.

“They (the dogs) help the police, so I wanted to help them,” said Justin Jankowski who was surprised by all the attention.

UMT Police Chief Edgardo Colon said he was approached by Jankowski and his mom. “His mom told me he (Justin) wanted to donate money toward the purchase of a dog vest. When they came with a check for $1,400, well, I was speechless.”

On Nov. 20, Justin Jankowski and his family presented the check to Rob Ford, representative from HOWLS.

The organization provides ballistic vests and other life-saving items and training for K-9 working dogs.

The small, but powerful ceremony was led by Colon who was accompanied by several UMT police, including Officers Matt Gardner and Ryan Rhoads with their K-9 partners, Bico and Toon.

Colon “deputized” Jankowski and praised him for his amazing contribution.

He told Jankowski he had done a great deed.

According to Colon, providing a vest for one of the K-9s not only benefits the entire police force, but the public as well, even extending beyond the limits of the township.

“This truly was a great day for the community,” Colon said.