Published January 03. 2026 04:55PM
It was a happy day for select children from each of the Parkland schools who had the opportunity to shop for the Christmas holiday with local police officers at the Heroes for the Holiday shopping spree Dec. 9, 2025, at Target, 1600 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall.
Three students from each of the twelve district schools including the nine elementary schools as well as both Orefield and Springhouse middle schools and Parkland High School were chosen to be accompanied by a police officer for the shopping spree.
Police officers from South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships, Pennsylvania State Police and Lehigh Valley Health Network Safety and Security participated in the event.
The townships, LVHN and Target all contributed funds to the program.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDSouth Whitehall Township Police Department Detective Stacy Januscz and student Giary, enter the Target Store to participate in the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target, 1600 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall Dec. 9.
Aria was escorted by Pennsylvania State Trooper Harrison Kaye, Troop M Fogelsville Barracks, during the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target.
Parkland School Resource Officer Thomas Bammer and student Warren at the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target.
Zander was shopping with South Whitehall Township Officer Bethany Adams and Jackie Erley, Belfor Property Restoration at the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target.
South Whitehall Police Sgt. Jaryd Winkelbauer and Zhlahnese were together at the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target.
Maysun was shopping the Barbie aisle at Target with Upper Macungie Officer Ryan Mertus during the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree.
Chief’s unite. South Whitehall Township Police Chief Frank Lombardo and Upper Macungie Police Chief Michael Sistoski (holding the bear) spent time together at the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target in South Whitehall.
Tashae was shopping with South Whitehall School Resource Officer Amanda Sariego during the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree.
James with “Cisco,” one of two Lehigh Valley Health Network weapons detecting canines, handler Casey O’Donnell and Pennsylvania State Police Cpls. Jared Christman and Chris Yaworski, Troop M Bethlehem, during the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree Dec. 9 at Target, South Whitehall.
Upper Macungie Police Patrol Officer Rob Djevharian and Rodney spent time together during the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target.
Carlota and South Whitehall Officer Samantha Janner at the “Heroes for the Holidays” shopping spree at Target.
