By Susan Redden
sredden@joplinglobe.com
CARTHAGE, Mo. — There are, at minimum, two ways that Laverne Williams will live on in the Christmas party for underprivileged children sponsored by the Carthage Police Department each year.
The party held Saturday was officially renamed for the longtime CPD detective, as the Laverne Williams Memorial Children’s Christmas Party. Williams, who died Nov. 26, was a primary organizer of the party for most of his 31 years with the department.
And Williams’ considerable organizational skills were evident in an event that made Christmas merrier for the 496 youngsters crowded inside Carthage Memorial Hall.
Some kids won big prizes, like bicycles, wagons, an Xbox and a motorized miniature police car, but each child at the event got a stuffed toy, an age-appropriate gift and a $10 Wal-Mart gift card.
All that happened in a two-hour period that also included an appearance by Santa Claus, carols led by the Duke Mason Band, cookies and juice boxes consumed and bags of candy handed out at the end.
“They’ve done it for so many years, they have it down to a science,” said Karen Williams, Laverne Williams’ widow and a special guest at the party.
Though Williams retired a year ago due to ill health, party planning meetings still were held at the Williams house. Funds for the annual event come entirely from donations by area businesses and residents. Memorial contributions in Williams’ name also were made to the party, and more gifts came from a benefit concert by the Duke Mason Band on Dec. 12.
“They asked for either cash for the party or a gift as admission; they collected two truck loads of toys. We have enough to give every child a gift,” said Det. Sgt. Bill Hawkins.
The gifts were handed out by department members, community volunteers and members of the Carthage Junior High Leadership Council, who help with the event each year.
For Mikayla Caldwell, 6, that gift was a Hannah Montana doll.
“I love it,” she said, jumping up and down.
While children crowded the main floor of Memorial Hall, some older family members watched festivities from the balcony.
Renee Thomas said two children from her family were at the party.
“They were so excited this morning. They do such a good job with this,” she said.
Experience
Before his retirement, Laverne Williams served as the CPD juvenile officer, headed up community affairs programs and started the Citizens Police Academy.
