The St. Petersburg Police Department partnered with other community leaders to bring a happy holiday experience to local families. John and Margo Catsimatidis Sr. along with The Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg worked together this year to gather and distribute toys this holiday season to 65 local children of St. Pete PAL.
The St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) has a long-standing holiday toy donation program for the children of The Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg (St. Pete PAL). And Mr. Catsimatidis worked with the SPPD to manage all gift selection through their “Park, Walk and Joy” efforts. This ensures that children receive toys actually identified on their list.
“I am currently the Chairman of the Police Athletic League of New York City and have been involved with PAL for over 40 years, and I am thrilled to work with our wonderful St. Petersburg Police Department and St. Pete PAL this year to donate toys for children in this community,” Mr. Catsimatidis said.
Especially during the holiday season, children need to know they are valued and loved and that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
JOHN CATSIMATIDIS Sr
Providing year-round support for kids
The mission of St. Pete PAL is to inspire hope and transform the lives of at-risk youth. They do this by providing opportunities for education, health and wellness, and leadership development through meaningful partnerships in our city. St. Pete PAL gives kids a safe place to go when they are not in school. A place where caring adults offer activities to help them succeed academically and help them make healthy choices.
Along with providing year-round support to local kids, partnering with local community leaders allows St. Pete PAL to offer a little extra this holiday season.
“We are profoundly grateful for the incredible generosity shown by John and Margo Catsimatidis and Red Apple Real Estate with their heartfelt holiday toy donation,” said Heather Robb. She’s the executive director of the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. “This donation not only provides toys but also sends a powerful message of care and community spirit during this special time of the year. We extend our deepest thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Catsimatidis for making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we are privileged to serve through St. Pete PAL.”
Mr. Catsimatidis and his wife Margo, a St. Petersburg native, have supported many important local community initiatives, including artistic elements of the St. Pete Pier, the Poynter Foundation, the Greek and Russian Orthodox Church, the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Holocaust Museum, the Dali Museum, and Florida CraftArt.
John Catsimatidis Sr. is the founder of Red Apple Real Estate. This is the company sponsoring development of the 46-story Residences at 400 Central tower.
