Illinois Valley Community College’s Criminal Justice Association teamed up with LaSalle Police Department’s Officer Santa program for the first ever Justice Walk 2016: Heroes vs. Villains.

 

The Officer Santa program fundraises to gather and distribute toys to local underprivileged children for Christmas.

 

After paying a $5 participation fee, participants were encouraged to bring extra toys to donate to the Officer Santa program and dress up in their best hero or villain costume for a walk with Santa around downtown LaSalle.

 

The walk was set to begin at noon on Nov. 19 at 500 Second St. in LaSalle.

 

However, freezing temperatures and strong winds played a role in deterring

potential participants and their children from joining.

 

Participants came together for a photo,but because of the cold weather, chose not

to walk.

Despite the low turnout, Amber Cullifer, IVCC Criminal Justice Association President and Justice Walk coordinator, said that the association would host the walk again next year.

 

“We raised $40 and three presents for the Officer Santa Program. Anything is better than nothing when it comes to these kids. While we didn’t get a goodturn out this year, I’m still optimistic fornext year,” Cullifer said.