Foster Child Holiday Program

WHAT IS THE FOSTER CHILD PROGRAM?

The Foster Child Holiday Gift Program is a tradition for the men and women of the Department. The program was started in 2000 to give foster children who might otherwise receive no gifts during the holidays, the presents to make their dreams come true. Names of the children in need are selected through a partnership effort with the child's social worker. Uniformed police officers escort the presents to different locations, which makes the event even more special for the kids.

WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM SPECIAL?

From the beginning, the program has stressed that these children deserve a day that is as special as it is for any other child. All of the presents are purchased new and specifically for each child to meet their interests and wishes. Since older children usually have more expensive needs and other gift donation programs usually focus on younger children, the department makes an extra effort to ensure that pre-teens and teenagers are given "that special gift" to make their holiday a magical moment as well.

PROGRAM SUCCESSES

The program has been successful from the beginning and meets the needs of over 300 children a year.