Metro Nashville Police Christmas Charities
The
Metro Christmas Basket Charities, Inc. is a non-profit charity which
officially gets underway each November. Because the program has grown
each year to meet the needs of the community, funding is always a matter
of concern.
Several benefit motorcycle rides have been held annually for the past several years, which have been instrumental in raising money, toys, and stuffed animals. Several other organizations have also provided money and toys. Contributions are also made by police employees and other individuals in the community.
Families
are selected based on recommendations from police employees. Careful
selection is done to identify the neediest families, including
many children. Thrifty buying allows for large quantities of basic foods
to be purchased to provide 4 bushel baskets of groceries per family.
The baskets of food and toys are assembled in a warehouse the week prior
to Christmas. Christmas Eve morning employees of the department arrive
to participate. Police personnel line up at the loading dock in their
cars to accept baskets for delivery. By 9:00 AM, all the baskets have
been loaded and distributed, and the warehouse is quiet for another year.
A great satisfaction is felt by those participating in being able to
make the holidays more enjoyable for those less fortunate.
2006 MPD Christmas Basket Program Elves
Judy Bawcum, Santa (Leonard Keeler), Kay Holder, Valerie Meece
“Chief Elf” Andy Garrett, Merri Lee Puckett, Rita Harden
Cindy Huffines, Walter Keeler
Not pictured: Brent Gibson, Dan Massey & Lori Gross
Questions about the Metro Police Christmas Charities may be directed to
Commander Andy Garrett
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
Central Precinct
200 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-7611