CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) – Cambridge Police are on the search for Santa – or rather many secret Santas – to help bring some holiday cheer for senior members of the community.
The department is participating in it's 14th annual "Secret Santa for Seniors" program this year. Each year officers collect donations of things like socks, sweaters, books, gift cards, candy and more to hand-deliver them to senior living facilities in the city.
Director of Communications Jeremy Warnick tells WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas that the program is especially necessary during the pandemic this holiday season.
"It's going to be a little bit different [this year]," Warnick said. "We're going to be coordinating with the senior living facility staff and drop these off at the lobbies for them to percent over to the seniors."
Warnick said even smaller gifts can make a large difference to seniors who are experiencing feelings of loneliness during this time.
"Something as simple as socks will go a long way to bring a smile to a senior's face," he said. "Any items that anyone is able to generously donate – we will find a use for, and we'll deliver them right to the homes of these seniors."
People who are looking to donate goods or gift cards can find more information on the Cambridge city website.
The department recommends that people donate online this year, by purchasing items on their wish lists to limit the spread of Covid-19.
However gifts can also be dropped off 24/7 at drop boxes in the lobby of the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility, or mailed to Sergeant Susan Kale of the Cambridge Police Department at 125 6th Street.
The donations will be accepted until Friday, Dec.18, 2020.
WBZ Newsradio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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(Photo: Cambridge Police Department)