Worcester Police lead holiday parade to bring presents to local children with cancer

WORCESTER, Mass. — Worcester Police led a holiday parade Tuesday, stopping to hand out presents to kids at a local non-profit that serves children with cancer and their families.

Dozens of kids excitedly watched as police cars and a fire engine, among other town vehicles, arrived at Why Me & Sherry’s House, blaring their sirens, flashing their lights and blasting Christmas music.

Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent, teaming up with Santa Claus, presented 100 gifts to kids, calling the event, “the highlight of the year.”

Mom Tiana Recos beamed as she watched her 3-year-old daughter Olivia accept gifts from Santa, along with her older brother and sister, 5-year-old twins. Olivia was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019 and finished treatment in March. Because of the disease and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Paxton family has missed some fun holiday gatherings over the last couple of years.

“There are just squeals of excitement for Santa. Doesn’t get better than that,” said a grateful Tiana Recos. “It really just…warms my heart to see them get to do some typical kid stuff when we haven’t been able to for a long time.”

Why Me helps families cope with childhood cancer by providing support and guidance as well as fun events and programs at no cost. Staff visit children in hospitals, and Sherry’s House offers lodging as a “home-away-from-home” for families while their children are undergoing treatment in the New England area.

Christopher Poplawski, who was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia, returned for Tuesday’s event with his mother, Tracy. At 20 years old, he still finds comfort at Why Me.

“We still come to the house all the time to offer support to other families,” Tracy Poplawski said. “It’s awesome. It really warms your heart, brings a tear to your eye.”

Worcester Police have also given 580 presents to other kids and teens in the community through a “Giving Tree” program, in which officers remove ornaments from a tree at the police department and shop for kids in need.

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