Clinton Sector NYSCOPBA donates $3K to holiday cause

WEST CHAZY| New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) members at Clinton Correctional have helped make the holidays brighter for local children in need for over 17 years. In a quiet, humble way, one person here has made a big difference. Officers donate $3,000 annually to Shane Muller's Santa's Holiday Express in Clinton County to provide toys and gifts to children in need. Muller works with local school districts to make sure no child goes without during the holiday season. In a recent interview with The Sun, Muller described how he began to raise the funds for gifts and food in 2005 while working at Clinton Correctional. With a white beard, Muller chuckles at the role he has duly earned over the years. "I play Santa," he said. "It started, you know, with the idea that at Christmas time, many people have got enough money to make their living, no extras. You know darn well there's nothing under that Christmas tree, and maybe no tree." Muller's daughter-in-law teaches at an area school, which inspired Santa's Holiday Express. "I started getting lists from the school; it was 20 to 25 kids. They were all ages. I've had high school kids before," Muller said. With his wife's help, they purchased various items, including gifts, winter clothing, boots and other warm wear, for Christmas giving. "I've also gone to Hannaford's to buy food cards and give them to the guidance department. It's to make sure these families have some food on the table for Christmas. Many kids have their main meal at school, and the holiday vacation can be tough for families." Muller was the union's Santa for years. He is also the Santa during Dannemora Christmas celebration. Since retiring from his job at the prison, he has continued to play a role in bringing Christmas to area youth. And NYSCOPBA Clinton Sector continues to support his work. "The union has been great over the past 17 years. They have a lot of different projects for Christmas. I try to help as many as I can," Muller said.

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Clinton Sector NYSCOPBA donates $3K to holiday cause

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