The Readington Township Police received a Thanksgiving surprise on Wednesday afternoon. Mateo, a 12 year old Readington Township resident stopped by the police station and presented Chief Donaruma with a "PRAYER SHIELD" for each officer. The Prayer shield is a small medallion that depicts the image of St. Michael, the Patron Saint of Police. Mateo was able to purchase the prayer shields with money he raised by decorating and selling pumpkins in October.

Along with the prayer shields Mateo also delivered over 200 positive messages and cards. The cards came from students at Readington Middle School. When the student council heard what Mateo was doing they wanted to get involved, so Mateo placed a "box of appreciation" at Readington Middle School. Mateo asked his fellow students to send a positive message or ask a question to Readington Police. The box was quickly filled with the cards Mateo provided so students created their own Thanksgiving cards sending additional positive messages for the police department. "I would like to commend Mateo for the all of the excellent work he has done and for being such an positive role model. With all of the negative events throughout the world, Mateo is a ray of hope and should inspire us all" said Chief Donaruma. Mateo is an excellent example how one caring person can make a positive impact in a community.

For more information about this and other projects Mateo has organized go to www.liveforacause.net.