Spreading the holiday cheer in Freeport

Freeporter Elizabeth Young, a 30-something mother of one, stood waiting in line in the cold at the Freeport Revolver and Rifle Association, behind BJs, on Dec. 19. She was one of roughly 50 people who had come to this parking lot that morning to receive toys from the Freeport Police Benevolent Association, which has given out toys to those in need at the holidays for 25 years.
Each person who came received one large Toys ’R’ Us bag full of goodies.
“This is great,” Young gushed. “I think it helps people who actually need the help, and there’s quite a bit of people in Freeport who need a little more assistance. It’s been a rough year for us, but more or less, I’m here for my daughter.”
PBA volunteers spent all of Tuesday giving away toys for children and families in need in the Freeport School District and for members of the Greater Second Baptist Church in Freeport. The effort is known as Toys for Freeport Tots. Baby dolls, superhero figures, basketballs, board games and even a few bicycles were given out in the shooting range’s lounge. While families were treated to a light breakfast, volunteers filled large purple and orange bags with goodies.
“People are coming from all over Freeport,” said Eric Mallette, pastor of the Greater Second Baptist Church and the Freeport Police Department chaplain. “Most of the volunteers out here are police officers giving to the little kids. It gives me a sense of pride and community togetherness.”

Toys for Freeport Tots was started by Freeport Detective Patrick Franzone in 1993 to help bring a little holiday cheer to children during the holidays. Since then it has grown into an annual event with dozens of Freeport police officers, their wives and friends taking part. In the beginning, Franzone said, he didn’t think the effort would turn into the year-round project that it has become.
“It’s an amazing thing to see all of this come together,” Erik Parkman, Franzone’s cousin, said. “We worked all year long through three or four different fundraisers, but then I see the young kids’ faces when we give them a toy knowing that I [helped] shop and raise money for it. It’s a great feeling. [There’s] nothing like being Santa.”
When Franzone’s special-needs son, Kyle, died in 2009, Franzone started hosting Kyle Fest, a rock ’and’ roll barbecue to celebrate his late son and to help raise money to buy toys for the holiday giveaway. Held in July, the fundraiser brings in $10,000 to $15,000 a year. The money is then used to buy Christmas presents for Freeport children.
“I’m just glad that I am able to have something good to continue with [Kyle’s] name,” Franzone said. “I feel like doing this every year shows honor to his name because it’s such a good cause.”