Operation Santa's S.L.E.D.

Operation Santa’s S.L.E.D. Support Law Enforcement Drive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports law enforcement families throughout New York State who are experiencing a personal crisis by providing a cash donation to each family, purchasing Christmas gifts for the children, and arranging for a special gift delivery that demonstrates support, encouragement, and camaraderie.

Please read about the five families we are supporting this year.

Lt. Marc Langlais, who served for almost 19 years at Watervliet PD, sadly passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind his wife Beth and two sons Samuel and Sullivan. The family and fellow officers are completely devastated, and his wife is facing financial hardship as she is not receiving any benefits since his death is not considered line of duty.

Corporal Kyle Muthig, a 15 year veteran of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, died by suicide on Sept. 4, 2023, leaving behind his wife Dina and 6-year-old daughter Olivia. Kyle served in the US Marine Corps. from 1997 to 2001; he was amember of the Sullivan County PBA,a NYS Firearms Instructor and amember of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactical Team. Kyle was amember of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and amember of the Aden Hill Hunting Club.

Trooper Holly Hanssel (Troop A), who has overcome personal tragedies, including the death of a child due to accidental overdose, a cancer diagnosis (now cancer free) and the passing of her mother, continues to care for her daughter Morgan 17, adopted children,

Preston 3 1/2, Caden 3, and foster child Wynter 10 months. Please help provide Holly’s

family with some joy and holiday cheer.

Tompkins County Sr. Probation Officer Holly Alzitoon is battling breast cancer and has been out of work while receiving treatment. She may run out of benefits and disability before being able to return. She has an 8-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son. Please help us support this family during this challenging time.

Warren County Sheriff’s Officer CO Matt Harrington tragically lost his 15-year-old son in a drowning accident. Matt, Ariana and their 13-year-old daughter are completely shattered by the loss. Let’s try to create a pause in their grief with a show of support and love for this family this holiday season.

Deputy Chief Robert DeSaye of the Town of Newburgh PD died of cancer last year, leaving behind his 11-year-old son Jayden. The child’s mother did not receive any benefits due to their unmarried status, and she also cares for a special needs nephew.

CO Sharrie Kampich from Five Points is fighting throat cancer, and her husband “Gus”, also a CO, two adult children and 12-year-old son are standing by her side with love and support. Please help us show this law enforcement family that they are not forgotten and we are here to support them through this difficult and stressful time.

Who can be nominated?

A family of a police officer, corrections officer, probation officer, parole officer or dispatcher who is in need. Need is any physical, mental, emotional, or financial crisis the family is experiencing due to a critical circumstance such as illness, serious physical injury, or death of a family member. Death includes on or off duty and suicide.

How the Program Works

• Nominations are accepted from local, county and state law enforcement agencies.

• Families are selected by the program committee members according to their need and circumstances.

• Once a family has been selected, the agency liaison will work with the family to provide a wish list for each child.

• We collect donations through GoFundMe and local agency efforts (No Shave November and other collections).

• Designated shoppers purchase and wrap gifts for each family.

• The ability to fulfill the children’s wish lists is dependent on the support of our fundraising effort.

• When the wish list is fulfilled, any remaining funds are provided as a monetary donation to the family.

• Depending on the family’s preference, gifts can be delivered to the children by Santa during a parade consisting of a variety of law enforcement and local fire/ems vehicles, a private Santa delivery, or a private delivery via the agency liaison.

Operation Santa’s S.L.E.D. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

518-261-2044‬‬‬‬

[email redacted]

facebook.com/OperationSantasSLED