There is still time to help the Santa Cop program, which is hasn’t gotten close to the mark on donations to help 12 families selected with only two days left, according to Hope Police Chief J.R. Wilson and HPD Administrative Secretary Misty McCollum.
“We have received $573.09 in cash donations. We have had a lot of families nominated, to be honest we would have to have a lot of donations to get them covered,” McCollum said. On Wednesday, the gift donations were looking slim, as well, with the realization there are many families to help.
“Anything will help. We know times are tough,” McCollum said.
The HPD tries to provide food, clothing and gifts to selected families who may not have a Christmas without the help.
Cash donations are the most beneficial to the program, according to Wilson, because they try to target specific needs.
“That is the most beneficial, but we do appreciate all donations,” Wilson said.
Donations are being accepted until Friday at 5 p.m. at the Hope Police Department.
Checks should be made payable to the Hope Police Department at P.O. Box 1346 Hope, Ar., 71802, or bring items to the HPD at 312 South Washington Street in the Hempstead County Detention Center adjacent to the Hempstead County Courthouse. For more information contact Misty McCollum at (870) 722-2556.
The recipients’ items are distributed on Christmas Eve.
“We try to help as many families as we can,” McCollum added.
She added some company toy drives will contribute as well.
--Stephanie Harris-Smith, Hope Star
