Day: October 30, 2020

The temperatures are dropping, days are shorter, and the leaves are changing which also means the holiday season is quickly approaching.  While this time of year is certainly joyous for most, there are many families that struggle to provide for their children during the holidays.  That is especially true in 2020 as many families have suffered income losses as the result of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  The Holiday Heroes program by the Dover Police Department is here to help for the 8th consecutive year, but will need the communities help to raise funds.

Traditionally, Holiday Heroes allowed children from the Dover area to pair up with a Dover Police Officer to go shopping for Christmas gifts at the Dover Target store.  However, due to concerns with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Dover Police and Target have made the decision to change the way the program operates for 2020.  Rather than taking children shopping in person, the department will provide assistance in the following ways:
-Have items delivered to families home by officers
-Purchase coats, hats, gloves, other necessities, and toys and donate to local charities and/or schools.
-Have items delivered directly to families homes

“It is incredibly disappointing that we are going to lose the one-on-one bonding time with the children this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but when we spoke with our partners at Target, we all agreed that we had to make this program work in 2020, knowing so many families in our community are struggling right now,” said Sgt. Mark Hoffman who has been a part of the program since it began in 2013.  

Donations are being accepted at the Dover Police Department.  Please call 302-736-7130 or email mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us to make arrangements for donations.  Donations can be made in the form of cash, Target Gift Cards, or check (payable to Dover Police Holiday Heroes).

Gift cards can also be purchased online and emailed to mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us

There is no online fundraising campaign for this program. 

All donations must be received by December 1st.  

With the upcoming Halloween events around the City of Dover, the Dover Police Department would like to remind parents, children, and motorists to remain alert and keep safety a top priority during this Halloween season.  While we will have extra officers on the streets and in our neighborhoods on Halloween Night, it is important to take note of the safety tips we have provided below.

Trick or Treat Date/Times:

• Saturday, October 31st 6:00PM-8:00PM (City of Dover)
• Participating homes should have their front lights on
• Households that are not participating should turn off their front lights

Motorist Safety Tips:

• Motorists are asked to drive with an abundance of caution and travel at a reduced speed in residential areas.
• Many children and adults will be walking through residential areas and depending on the availability of sidewalks, may be near or on the roadway.
• Be aware of children inadvertently darting across the street in the path of vehicles.

Trick or Treating Safety Tips:

• Children should NEVER go Trick or Treating alone.  They should be with a parent/guardian, or a group of friends at all times.
• Stay off of main roadways.
• Costumes should fit properly, with no loose/hanging items.
• Consider face paint instead of masks as they can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Trick or Treaters should carry a flashlight at all times.
• Utilize glow sticks and/or reflective tape/material attached to costumes and bags for added visibility.
• Before crossing the street, always look in both directions twice to make sure no vehicles are coming.
• Inspect all candy to ensure it is not tampered with, prior to consuming it.

Covid-19 Safety:
Information on how to celebrate Halloween in a safe manner from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is available at the following link:
HALLOWEEN SAFETY COVID-19