On February 9, 2012, the Point Breeze PAL Positive Images program hosted a fashion show in the auditorium of G.W. Childs Elementary School. Police Officer Jackie Little, through a partnership with the school, organized the event, which brought smiles to all involved.

Hundreds of visitors filled the auditorium to watch as both young ladies and men displayed the latest fashion trends through exciting song and dance routines. Children of all ages participated, and stayed safe, off the streets and involved in a positive evening of fun.

City Councilperson Kenyatta Johnson and First Deputy Commissioner of Recreation & Programs, Susan Slawson, spoke at the fashion show, congratulating the children for their participation in what was an exciting and wholesome event, and reminding them to continue on a path to success.

Officer Little was pleased with the success of the event and is looking forward to next year. “This was the first fashion show that we put on and the PAL children were just fabulous. I’m appreciative of the response we received from the parents. The gym was filled with family, friends and community members. I was elated because I was not expecting a full house. The kids enjoyed the event and are already anxious to organize a show in the spring,” she said. “I want to thank Dr. Harvey Nisenbaum and Sylvia Nisenbaum, Esq., who support our center’s Positive Images Program. Without their continued support, this wouldn’t have been as big as it was,” Little added.

Sports Activities Galore; Tacony PAL is Keeping Busy!

By P/O Bill Schneider, Tacony PAL Director

Tacony PAL is bursting at the seams with activity. Aside from everyday educational activities, mentoring programs and city-wide leagues, youth are provided with an opportunity to have fun with other children in their PAL center.

Beginning in September, youth at my center have been enjoying all that PAL has to offer. Tacony PAL ran its annual Wiffleball League, and all children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The season kicked off in September and ran through November. This year, Tacony PAL had two co-ed leagues – an 11-and-under league, and a 12-and-over league. More than 200 children participated between the two leagues this year.

More recently, Tacony PAL youngsters have been participating in our in-house flag football league. This program introduces youth to the sport of football, and provides an opportunity for boys and girls to interact together. The season will be ending within the next few weeks.

Following flag football, youth from Tacony PAL will be starting indoor soccer. The season kicks off in the beginning of February. All youth are welcome to sign up now!

Volunteers paint school spirit mural

More than 35 volunteers from across the Philadelphia region came together Monday in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy was celebrated through community service at Nicetown PAL in Kenderton School. Service projects like this one transpired throughout the City on January 16th, thanks to a collaborative effort between MLK365 and Philly Cares.

Volunteers from Kenexa, PwC and Masonic Order Chapter #15 joined Kenderton School faculty and staff to complete several painting projects, including three murals. They worked together to give the school and PAL center an encouraging makeover. PwC brought high school students to participate, in an effort to instill the spirit of giving in the young volunteers.

PwC volunteers freshen up doors

Kenderton School’s 8th grade class also attended to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of service. They completed essays and artwork which will be submitted to the One King Day, One King Book project, an annual Philadelphia initiative to compile students’ reflections. Students read a selection about the history of civil rights and the role Dr. King played, then responded to his quote, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.” Kenderton faculty and staff, and Nicetown PAL Officer Williams, discussed how the students can display peace in their community.

PAL thanks all volunteers and Kenderton School for making this year’s Martin Luther King Day of Service a success!

Towson University volunteers with Paley PAL kids

Paley PAL in Germantown is playing host to a group of Towson University students and staff participating in an alternative winter break trip this week. Michael, Corinne, Kaitlyn and Caitlin have spent every afternoon with PAL youngsters, helping them with homework and practicing for the upcoming 24 Math Challenge. The eager volunteers are spending the rest of their time in Philadelphia at the Philabundance Food Bank and sightseeing in the historical district.

This Philadelphia trip was organized by Towson University’s Alternative Break Connections (ABC). ABC leads community service-learning trips throughout the country during the University’s spring and winter breaks. These trips help students engage in active service, while providing the opportunity to gain new perspectives on society and meeting community needs.

Michael Schleicher is a senior at Towson University and Vice President of ABC. As the trip’s leader, he organized the trip – planning everything from the financial logistics to service activities (with PAL & Philabundance). Good luck to Michael as he enters his final undergraduate semester!

Corinne helps PAL youngster with 24 Math

Corinne DeRoberts, Coordinator of Community Service at Towson University, fell in love with service during an alternative spring break trip to New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina. She immediately changed her future career goals to make a positive impact in the world. Currently, she facilitates short and long-term service events for the students, but loves to jump in and get her hands dirty too!

Kaitlyn Williams is a sophomore, participating in her first alternative break trip. She is an Education Major, so she is looking forward to spending time with the students and teaching them how to be 24 Math champions. Her expertise in educating children will be a real asset to Officer Pollard and the youngsters at Paley PAL.

Caitlin Stephens is a freshman who just completed her very first semester at Towson University. She is from the Baltimore area, and is enjoying her first trip to Philadelphia. She is a pediatrics nursing major who loves spending time with kids.

Alternative break trips are gaining popularity with college students across the nation. The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia is happy to host our Towson University volunteers and appreciate their work at Paley PAL and throughout the City.

PAL had an exciting and successful year in 2011. From new PAL center grand openings to visits with Phillies’ Pitcher Roy Halladay to PAL’s most successful Golf Classic to date to an abundance of end-of-year holiday parties, 2011 was full of memories and certainly a special year for PAL and its youth constituency. Here are some highlights from the past year:

Last winter was booming with activity at PAL. In February, PAL implemented its newest fundraiser, “Denim Week”, which raised thousands of dollars for youth activities. February also hosted the 25th annual PAL Night at the Sixers, an exciting night of basketball for PAL Commissioner’s Club Members and PAL youth. Some other key events included Lockheed Martin’s PAL Day at City Hall, 24 Math Challenge, the Citywide Fitz-Dixon Basketball Championship Games and more.

Spring was a busy time for PAL. PAL youngsters once again competed in the IDC/Intern U PAL Challenge and defeated members of the IDC staff. BOMA’s second-annual “Cops Helping Kids” Day was a sweeping success for PAL, raising thousands of dollars in support of PAL’s mission and increasing awareness amongst Center City residents and office workers. PAL’s annual Award Dinner and Silent Auction took place in May, and honored Ruben Amaro, Jr., of The Phillies, Daniel Hilferty of Independence Blue Cross and Jeffrey Scarpello, Esq., of NECA, Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter. PAL’s biggest fundraiser of the year was a wonderful evening for all involved.

In the summer, there was no shortage of fun. The PAL Scholarship Foundation once again hosted its annual Scholarship Luncheon, and provided scholarships to more than 230 deserving PAL participants! Throughout the summer, youth participated in baseball, golf, skateboarding, tennis and many other activities. Children were also educated through trips to the Philadelphia Zoo, Constitution Center and other great events and activities.

In the fall, September’s rain washed away hopes of hosting the Golf Classic on its regularly-scheduled date, but overall the season was anything but a disappointment. October brought about the Grand Opening Ceremony for Harrowgate PAL. Children and their families enjoyed a special evening and were welcomed into their neighborhood’s new safe haven. Youth participated in a Mock Trial in November. The court-room-thriller took place in Drexel’s Earl Mack School of Law moot court room. Youngsters practiced for weeks, and received guidance from Drexel students and members of Dilworth Paxson LLP. To wrap up the year, children from each PAL center attended a holiday party where they received gifts, spent time with friends, visited Santa and enjoyed the spirit of the season. Here’s for hoping 2012 will bring as much joy as 2011.

From all of us at PAL, Happy New Year!

Santa is a Phillies fan at Ford PAL

Celebrating the Holidays with PAL

PAL’s Holiday party season is in full swing! Santa worked overtime last week, coming to all remaining parties this year and giving gifts to close to 1,000 youngsters!

Last week started off with a great bash thrown by Adopt-A-Center partner, ACE at Police Memorial PAL. They hosted youngsters at all three of their adopted centers, St. Benedict PAL, Locke PAL and Police Memorial PAL. Tuesday’s party at Wynnefield PAL welcomed volunteers from US Airways. Santa saw his tightest schedule of the week with two big parties in one day on Wednesday. His first stop was the Cozen PAL holiday party, then on to the Phillies annual party at Ford PAL, with special guests, Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, Phillies Ball Girls and the Phanatic! TD wrapped up the week with a celebration at North Penn PAL.

PwC Volunteer helps PAL youngsters make holiday cards

This week started off with a bang at Hartranft PAL’s holiday party, hosted by Adopt-A-Center partner, PwC. They went above and beyond and brought special gifts and school supplies for every PAL youngster. Gibbons PAL wrapped up the holiday party season on Wednesday with just days to spare for Santa.

 PAL thanks all remaining holiday sponsors for another great year! Happy Holidays!

PAL youngster poses with Santa before she picks out her gift

Santa’s sleigh is circling the City and has been stopping at several PAL Centers for holiday parties! On Thursday, 12/1, Tucker PAL welcomed volunteers from Verizon and Verizon Wireless to help kick off PAL’s holiday season. Last Tuesday, Bluford PAL enjoyed a special visit from Adopt-a-Center partner, Lincoln Financial Foundation, and on Thursday, Tacony PAL hosted volunteers from Adopting Partner Lockheed Martin to continue celebrating the season. Volunteer representatives from both organizations joined each center to oversee arts and crafts projects, distribute snacks and assist Santa in handing out gifts.

Major McGrath helps with arts and crafts before Santa's visit

On Friday, 12/9, The United States Army visited Harrowgate PAL to ensure the holiday spirit thrives for underprivileged youngsters in Philadelphia. Nearly 150 children attended, all of whom opened gifts provided by the Army. The Army has been supporting various PAL Centers in Philadelphia for the past two years by collecting toys and distributing them to youth through PAL holiday parties.

PAL thanks last week’s holiday party sponsors Verizon, Verizon Wireless, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lockheed Martin and the United States Army for supporting PAL during the holiday season! Check back next week for a recap of this week’s parties!

Lenfest PAL youngster playing in the finals

Sounds of kids yelling “Checkmate!” filled the halls of the Lenfest PAL center Wednesday night 12/7 as PAL crowned its annual city-wide chess champions. More than 200 youngsters from 24 PAL centers across Philadelphia came together for regional competitions Monday night 12/5 to compete for a coveted spot in the finals. Only 54 participants moved on to battle for first place at the Lenfest PAL center on Wednesday.

Steel PAL participant receives 2nd place

Participants have been practicing all year for this tournament. Through the Lenfest Chess Program, lucky participants had the opportunity to master their chess game under the guidance of PAL Board Member, Chase Lenfest. For over a decade, the Lenfest Chess Program has provided mentors, teachers and friends to PAL youngsters eager to learn the game. Like many of PAL’s programs, this broadens the horizons of inner-city youth and allows them to have experiences they may not have access to otherwise.

Southwest PAL participants win big

Congratulations to the first place winners, Martin and Ashiqua from Southwest PAL, Kysheem from Lenfest PAL and Javier from Police Memorial PAL! All participants were commended for their hard work and dedication. Everyone received a medal to commemorate the close of this year’s chess season.
Thanks to the H. Chase and Ana Maria Lenfest Foundation for generously sponsoring such a great tournament!

Each summer, Tacony PAL Director Police Officer Bill Schneider does his best to create special memories for the youth at his center. For the last several years, with the support of Adopt-a-Center partner Lockheed Martin, Officer Schneider has helped youngsters experience a variety of exciting activities. This past summer, children were able to participate in a handful of extra special experiences.

In July, Officer Schneider and 13 youth from Tacony took a trip down I-95, eventually arriving in Laurel, Maryland. Former Philadelphia Police Officer and current Secret Service Agent, Mike Dutch, invited Tacony PAL to take a private tour of the Secret Service training facility. Children had access to the entire training compound, and were able to take a firsthand look at the limousines that the Secret Services uses, as well as their vast gun collection, which contained weapons from around the world.

In August, more than 60 children got to experience an action packed week, which included arts and crafts, a tour of the Pennypack Environmental Center, a Halloween party contest. They also took trips to Smith playground and Liberty Bike Store, which included lessons on repairing bikes and bike tires. Additionally, children participated in various sports and games and heard from an NFL scout who touched on health and safety topics.  All in all, the children had a great summer!

This season has been nothing short of spectacular for families within the PAL community. During the holidays, generous individuals, corporations and philanthropists do their best to ensure that everyone is able to experience holiday joy. The same holds true for PAL’s wonderful donors; a few of PAL’s sponsors, in the spirit of giving, are making the holidays happier for many children and families in the Philadelphia community.

On Monday, November 21, 2011, Charming Shoppes, Inc., in a magnificent display of generosity, arrived at the Cozen PAL Center with an 18-wheeler. Inside were 972 boxes that contained a total of 4,000 new winter coats, which will be distributed to PAL youngsters throughout the city. Charming Shoppes, through their Keeping Kids Warm Program, delivers thousands of new coats to organizations throughout the United States each year. Thankfully, they always keep PAL in mind while doing so. In fact, Charming Shoppes increased their donation by 1,000 coats from last year!

Verizon Wireless again showed exactly how much they invest in the community yesterday, when they delivered close to 100 turkeys and all the Thanksgiving trimmings to PAL. Verizon’s generosity will allow dozens of PAL families to enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday the right way – with a turkey, gravy, vegetables, stuffing and more.

It is through generous donations, such as these, that the less fortunate are able to share in holiday joy. PAL is proud to partner with great community leaders, such as Charming Shoppes, Inc. and Verizon Wireless. We wish all a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving.