28th Year of Christmas Giving Underway with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Annual Christmas Drive

From the Harford County Sheriff’s Office:

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office Annual Christmas Drive is underway for the 28th year. This year’s drive is being chaired by Captain Steve Thomas and Lauren Brooks. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has been committed to helping families during the holiday season for more than a quarter of a century. The program has grown significantly in the last 28 years through the dedication and help of dozens of volunteers from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 6600, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association and a variety of committed business, civic and community members. In 2009, the Christmas Drive reached out to and helped over 130 families (179 adults and 257 children). Christmas gifts and food were delivered to various communities throughout the county.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations of toys, non-perishable foods; holiday candy; personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant; first aid supplies such as band-aids and bandages. Toys specifically sought out this year are dolls, crayons, actions figures, and games. Items for teens, ages 12-15 are also in high demand. Specifically requested for girls are purses, make-up and lotions and for boys, sports equipment and games. Cash is accepted and checks should be made payable to the “Sheriff’s Office Employee Fund.”

Collection drop boxes can be found at the following locations:

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters 45 S. Main Street in Bel Air
HCSO Southern Precinct 1717 Gateway Drive in Edgewood MD
HCSO Northern Precinct 3726 Norrisville Road in Jarrettsville
Harford County Detention Center 1030 Rock Spring Avenue in Bel Air

Giant Food Stores ( food donations only) 3229 Emmorton Road in Abingdon MD
Giant Food Store ( food donation only) 1401 Rock Spring Road in Forest Hill MD
Y of Central Maryland 101 Walter Ward Blvd. Abingdon MD

Prearranged drop off’s may also be made at the “Christmas Shop,” located in the Festival at Bel Air.

“It is in the true Christmas spirit to give where it is needed. We can only do this through the generosity of all of our volunteers and the donations from the community,” stated Captain Thomas, co-chair of the Annual Christmas Drive. “As a member of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, it is my privilege to partner with our community on behalf of such a worthwhile endeavor.”

For more information, to volunteer to help or request assistance, feel free to contact Lauren Brooks at 410-836-5494 or Captain Thomas at 410-638-4439.