Santa House Toy and Food Drive With Help From Ocean City Police Dept.

In an effort to consolidate local holiday charity efforts, and to bring greater relief to those in need during the upcoming holiday season, the Ocean City Police Department will be partnering with the “Santa House, Inc.” (a 501(c)(3) registered charity) holiday food and toy drive.

In past years both holiday charities have been able to provide help to Worcester County and Ocean City residents in need.  By incorporating the resources of the “Santa House” with the assistance of the OCPD we can improve the process by which the generous donations of our community are distributed to those in real need during the holidays.

The OCPD and the Santa House are asking that all charitable monetary donations/contributions normally made to the OCPD be directed to the “Santa House, Inc.”  As in years past, all toy donations, as well as monetary donations, will be used to provide gifts and food to local families. Unwrapped, new toys may be dropped off at the Public Safety Building, located at 65th Street and Coastal Highway.  These donations will be distributed through the “Santa House” charity to Ocean City and Worcester County residents in need during this upcoming holiday season.

For those who wish to contribute monetary donations, they can be mailed to the “Santa House, Inc.” 4520 Red House Road, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Checks made out to the Santa House, Inc. may also be dropped off at any Calvin B. Taylor Bank. The Santa House is accepting referrals of children or families that are in need of assistance.  In order to be considered for this program, a family must be referred by Community Organizations, Criminal Justice Agencies, Church Affiliations, Schools or State or County Personnel.

“The holidays can be difficult for some families. By partnering with the Santa House, families in need will be helped during the holidays,” said OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro. “While the economy has improved for some, the businesses and citizens of the Ocean City and Worcester County communities continue to pull together to provide for those families who are struggling this year. This is truly what the holiday season is all about.”

The Ocean City Police Department will continue to seek the assistance of volunteers to help distribute toys and food.  The Ocean City Police Department and the Santa House ask that all donations be made by Monday, December 15.  Distribution is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 at 8 a.m.

The OCPD Public Affairs Office will begin taking names of volunteers. To submit a donation, volunteer, or refer a family in need, please contact the Santa House, Inc. at:  410-632-4924 or the OCPD Public Affairs Office at:  410-520-5395.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.