To Whom It May Concern,
For many years, law enforcement officers throughout the United States have participated in a volunteer program during the Christmas season where police officers take children shopping for gifts. Many of our officers had the privilege of participating in our 2016 inaugural “Police Providing Presents” event and saw the excitement generated in children and made it an annual event in Garrett County.
Due to the COVID pandemic and the fluctuation in cases, the decision has been made to complete an alternate event. The traditional event consists of partnering the children with a police officer, shopping, luncheon, games and demonstrations. We do not want the opportunity to slip by being able to make a difference in these children and our great communities in Garrett County. We plan on providing to the selected children the best way we can with the restrictions in place by giving each child around one hundred fifty (150) dollars to spend at Walmart for their families, additional personal gifts, food for the holidays and local gift certificates for food and entertainment. The above items will be delivered to the selected children by officers. Hopefully, next year we will be able to return to the traditional event allowing children to spend the day one on one with our officers.
We are graciously asking for donations in support of this annual program to provide each child with the opportunity to make their holidays a little brighter. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Businesses will be recognized. Because the program is funded entirely by donations, the generosity of our donors is essential to the program’s success. Would you please assist in making Christmas special for these selected Garrett County children?
All donations can be mailed or placed in the dropbox located at the Department of Social Services. Attn: Finance Office, 12578 Garrett Highway, Oakland, Maryland 21550. All checks and money orders need to be made out to GCDSS and note in the comments, “Police Providing Presents.” For checks/money orders left in the dropbox, they will need to be in a separate envelope stating “Police Providing Presents.” Any questions can be directed to F/Sgt. B Williams, Maryland State Police – McHenry Barrack at 301-387-1101.
Thank you again for your interest and helping to make this program a success and placing a smile on a child’s face!
Respectfully, Police Providing Presents Committee
