Police Department, Local Church to Help Needy Kids Get Christmas Gifts

But this special program - Honoring the Badge - isn’t just about giving children toys. It’s also about giving them the opportunity to meet the police officers who patrol their neighborhoods and the knowledge that police officers are their friends. It also helps instill in them the noble act of giving and helping others who are in need.

For the past three years BPD and the church have set a goal of raising $2,500 – enough to buy $25 worth of gifts for 100 local children. With the help of the community the goal has been met each year. This year they want to help 200 kids.

Once the money is raised, off-duty, uniformed police officers will accompany the children and members of the community and church on a shopping spree at Toys R Us, 512 Cortez Rd., at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. An officer will partner with each of the children and help them pick out a toy.

To help with this cause, send donations to Kingdom Life Christian Church, PO Box 717, Ellenton, FL 34222.