10/14/2026
Sisters Aspen and Winter Vaccone shared a special ride to school Tuesday morning with Officer Taryn Kelly. Their mom, Erin, even joined in the fun.
The Vaccones won the “Ride to School in a Police Car” at the Helen Kate Furness Free Library’s Well Red silent auction on September 19.
“I thought it would be a unique and memorable experience for the girls, something special they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do,” Erin Vaccone said. She said her girls were excited when they saw Officer Kelly pull into the driveway shortly after 8 a.m. in one of the police cars they see patrolling their community every day.
Officer Kelly stretched the route a bit—driving past the police department and pointing out Traffic Safety Officer Kevin Smith’s vintage police car and a more modern off-road vehicle, the Polaris.
They continued to Aspen’s school first, and then to Winter’s.
Aspen, almost 7, is a first grader at Wallingford Elementary School. Winter, almost 5, attends the pre-K 5’s program at Swarthmore Friends Nursery School.
Winter had the most to say during the drive. She said her favorite color is pink, and her favorite movie is “The Little Mermaid.” Aspen seemed to just enjoy the ride.
Arriving at Winter’s school with time to spare, Winter made a bouquet of leaves and presented it to Officer Kelly.
“She told me that she collected all the best leaves,” Officer Kelly said.
Both girls loved their time with Officer Kelly.
“Officer Kelly made the experience wonderful. She was warm, patient and generous with her time, explaining things in a way the girls could understand and making each of them feel special. She was also happy to pose for photos and help us capture these memories,” their mother said. “We’re so grateful to Officer Kelly and the Nether Providence Police Department for giving Aspen and Winter such a memorable morning.”
The Well Red event is the library’s annual signature fundraiser, and the ride was one of several silent auction items.
