The program began 15 years ago at the New Boston Police Department for residents of New Boston only. Today they serve needy families all over Scioto County.
“It’s for children, but we also do some developmentally disabled adults. But basically it’s for children up to age 18, or 19 if they’re still in high school,” said Lt. Diane Davis at the New Boston Police Department.
Last year, the program helped more than 500 kids. This year, there are more than 900 names on the list and the Police Department is asking for more donations to cover them all.
“There’s a lot of children that would get nothing at all for Christmas if it weren’t for this program. Others are more fortunate and this is just a helping hand to the parents that do provide a Christmas, just not able to provide a lot. Without the people caring and without us doing what we do, I’d hate to think of the children that would go without. I don’t think any child should ever have to,” Davis said.
The New Boston Christmas Program operates entirely with charitable contributions from the community. Any business or individual who would like to make a donation can either bring in a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item, or make a financial contribution by cash or check to the New Boston Police Department — or mailed to the department at 3978 Rhodes Ave., New Boston, Ohio 45662. Please make all checks payable to the New Boston Christmas Program.
Donations can also be made at DESCO Federal Credit Union.
All of the cash will be used to buy more gifts, and the gifts are being wrapped at the New Boston police and fire departments. Once they have been collected, volunteers will deliver them to needy families just a few days before Christmas.
Davis thanked all of the volunteers and everyone who has given a donation already, and asks others to help them bring Christmas to a needy child this year.
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