Police, volunteers remembered those in need during holidays BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer Christopher Aperawic, 4, helps Police Explorer Christopher Amat load a truck with gifts at the Aperawic residence on Cori Street. The Sayreville family kept a Toys for Tots collection bin outside their home, whose Christmas display attracts passers-by. SAYREVILLE- Local police and volunteers spread holiday cheer last month, distributing gifts to needy families and children in the area. The SayrevilleDomesticViolence Team, a group of students and volunteers, participated in the service for the second consecutive year, according to Sgt. SeanO'Donnell of the Sayreville Police Department. He said that the volunteers, who provide support for the victims of domestic violence, collect funds for a variety of local causes. "They wanted to donate to a Christmas charity," O'Donnell said. O'Donnell, aswell as two part-time police officers and two policeExplorers between the ages of 14 and 18, distributed the gifts. "It was great," O'Donnell said. The year before, organizers distributed $2,000 in gift cards to needy families throughout town, he noted. ASayreville familywho decorates itsCori Street residence every year participated in December's Toys for Tots drive with police. Robert andKarenAperawic kept a collection bin outside their residence, which has become a popular spot that people visit to see the elaborate Christmas display. "The PBAalso bought gift cards and presents," O'Donnell said. The giftswere distributed at Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, on Dec. 20. "The team members … don't want their name out there,"O'Donnell said. "Theywant to remain anonymous, but as an organization, theywant tomake sure that thismoney that they raise goes back to the community."