Hollywood Police Department Adopts 45 Families for Thanksgiving

The holidays are full of joy, excitement, and splendor, but for some it can be a financially challenging time. Each year the Hollywood Police Department comes together during the holiday season to try to make a difference and bring joy to those in need. The Department’s School Resource Officers are continuing the annual “Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving” tradition by donating thousands of dollars to help make the holiday festive for those who have fallen on hard times. This year School Resource Officers, along with assistance from school guidance counselors have identified and adopted approximately 45 families. Each family will receive a Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey, stuffing, pies, side dishes, and all the fixings. Funding for this program comes from individual Officers and support staff donations.

The holiday gift giving continues with the annual “Shop with a Cop” and “Toy Drive” events. Due to CDC guidelines there are a few changes this year, but the overall goal remains the same – to help bring joy to children this holiday season. Our School Resource Officers have selected 25 well-deserving children to receive gift cards and taken on a Christmas shopping excursion to Walmart with the Officers. The children were selected by their respected School Resource Officers and Guidance Counselors based on community service, academics and their overall involvement within their respective schools.

In years past, the Department visited Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to distribute toys, however this year due to COVID-19 visitation guidelines, the distribution will be to children who may not have been able to receive a gift this holiday season. The kids will not only receive gifts, but will receive them from a Hollywood Police Officer who is not only promising to keep them safe, but who is also bringing them a little joy in the form of a toy for the holidays.