The idea came to Antwone Snead while he was teaching in-school suspension at Atlantic City’s Martin Luther King School.
He grew up in the city where he now is a police officer and knew what it was like to not have a Christmas.
“I thought to myself, if we could bring Christmas here and also have a basketball game, this could be the beginning of something special,” he said.
Snead also thought it would be a good way to bridge the gap between cops and community.
First, he talked to Principal Jodi Burroughs, who was immediately on board.
He then typed up a letter and presented it to the department. After getting approval from the chief, “our entire department wanted to donate what they could,” Snead said.
Toys for Kids, The Walk, Walmart and the Police Foundation are some who came through with donations for the kids.
Now, it’s become a sort of tradition.
The third annual Holiday Basketball game is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the MLK School.
Eight-graders have to make the right side of the Naughty or Nice List to play.
To be considered, the player has to have passed all tests a week up to the game, have no referrals and show respect.
Every student who attends gets put into a drawing for a free gift.
“After telling Mrs. Burroughs, the entire school staff donated — from custodians, security, teachers, aids, secretary and principals,” he said. “And the same for our department: police communications, Class II officers, patrol and commanders all donated. This was only possible because everyone played an important part.”
