City of Cambridge Announces Holiday Gift Drive Schedule

CAMBRIDGE, MA - With the holiday season in full swing, several Cambridge departments have announced holiday gift drives.

Cambridge Fire, Cambridge Police, and the City of Cambridge Employees’ Committee on Diversity are organizing three holiday drives for those who may be alone during the holidays or need a helping hand.

Cambridge Firefighters “Toys-For-Tots” (Now through Dec. 14)

Cambridge Firefighters are again partnering with the United States Marine Corps Reserve in collecting toys in the annual “Toys for Tots” drive. Now in its’ 70th year, the program was started in Los Angeles, CA when a handful of Marine Reservists distributed 5,000 toys to needy children on Christmas Eve 1947. Since its inception, over millions of needy children throughout the U.S. have benefited from the donation of over 512 million toys. Toys for Tots is a program that brings all elements of a community together for a common cause and delivers a message of hope to children who have little reason to have hope for the future. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at any Cambridge Fire Station.
Contact: Fire Chief Gerard Mahoney, gmahoney@CambridgeFire.Org.

Cambridge Police “Secret Santa for Seniors” Gift Drive (Now through Dec. 15)
Over the last 11 years, the Cambridge Police and the community have brought joy to thousands of senior citizens who may otherwise be alone. The following unwrapped items would be appreciated:

• Non-Perishable Food (e.g. chocolate, tea, jams, crackers, hard candy)
• Gift cards, Local sport team items, Lip balm & Cough Drops
• Socks, Slippers, Hats, Gloves, Bath Robes & Blankets

Secret Santa Gift Drive Drop-off locations:

• Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility, Main Lobby, 125 Sixth St.
• City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave.

Contact: Ph. Matt Nelson, Community Relations, 617-349-9354 or communityrelations@cambridgepolice.org.
Winter Coat/Accessories Drive (Now through Dec 11)
The Cambridge Employees' Committee on Diversity is organizing a Winter Coat and Accessories Drive to benefit CASPAR and other shelters in Cambridge in an effort to help the homeless stay warm this winter!! The following unwrapped items are being accepted:

New: Gloves, Socks
Gently Used or New: Scarves, Coats (Sizes: L, XL, XXL)

Winter Coat/Accessories Drop-off locations:

• City Hall lobby – 795 Mass. Ave.
• City Hall Annex – 344 Broadway
• Department of Public Works – 147 Hampshire St.
• Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway
• Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.
• Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility, 125 Sixth St.

For more information, contact Muna Kangsen, mkangsen@cambridgema.gov

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