The Quincy Police Department is combining its two annual community service holiday events, Thanksgiving and Cops & Kids Christmas programs, into one. Due to COVID-19, many families are struggling this year and this is an effort to help each family two occasions rather than just one.

"If you have a family that you think would be beneficial, our guidelines are that they have to live in Quincy city limits, they have to be a family in need," said Officer Jazzlynn Silva. "That could be anything from financially or they've just encountered a big hardship or loss recently."

For Thanksgiving, Quincy P.D. collects food and money to purchase additional food staples for each family to have a Thanksgiving meal. The police department typically pairs up with the Quincy Market for this program. For Christmas, Quincy officers typically take kiddos to Walmart to shop for gifts, but with COVID-19, it will look different this year.

"This year, we'll be delivering wish lists to each of the families along with the Thanksgiving meal," said Officer Silva. "They can put down one thing they'd like, one thing they'd read, one thing they'd need."

The wishlist will also ask for sizes, favorite colors and something they don't need but would really like. The same wishlist is provided to the parents.

"The ways people can help isn't just cash, if they have any toys, they have to be new due to coronavirus, or new clothes," said Officer Silva. "Typically we target kids in younger age groups, middle school or elementary school."

Contact the police department via email or phone and let the department know the name of the parent or guardian of the family and why the family would be a good fit for the program.

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