By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Police to brighten holidays of disadvantaged kids
Placeholder Image

The holiday season is approaching and Ceres Police officers are growing beards to bring awareness to a toy drive to benefit the less fortunate.

The Ceres Police Officers Association announced its 4th annual Beards for Kids event begins today and will run until Dec. 28. The program incorporates a toy drive, "Shop with a Cop" for underprivileged kids and the distribution of food baskets.

The community's help will be appreciated, said program coordinator Sgt. Greg Yotsuya.

The CPOA will begin collecting new, unwrapped toys starting on Friday, Nov. 25 at the Ceres Police Department headquarters on Third Street, Ceres Community Center, Cost Less Foods, and Ace Hardware. Toys will be sorted by age, gift wrapped and delivered to Ceres children who might otherwise not be receiving gifts this Christmas.

In addition to the toy drive, the CPOA is partnering with Walmart, McDonald's and the Ceres Partnership with a goal of taking 15 less fortunate families on a Walmart shopping spree.

"Last year, many local businesses generously stepped up to sponsor a family," said Yotsuya.

The CPOA is again asking local businesses for assistance. A $500 donation will sponsor an entire family's shopping spree.

"Cost Less Foods has generously agreed to put together holiday food baskets for us to distribute this year. We have set a goal of raising $1000 to go towards the food baskets."

Those who wish to sponsor a family for the "Shop with a Cop" event are invited to contact Sgt. Greg Yotsuya at 596-0606.