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 2021 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 9th 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. This event not only helps to provide necessities to families such as warm winter clothing, but also gifts for Christmas, and the opportunity for children to connect with an officer one-on-one.
MAKE A DONATION
In-Person/Mail:
Donations of cash, checks*, or gift cards to Target can be dropped off or mailed to:
Dover Police Department
Attn: Sgt. Mark Hoffman
400 S. Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
*Checks must be made out to: “Dover Police Holiday Heroes”
Online/E-Mail:
Donations of Target gift cards can also be made by e-mail.
Simply purchase an e-gift card at Target.com and send it to:
Contact@doverpolice.org
There is no online/crowdsource fundraising campaign for this program.
All check donations must be received by December 1st. Gift card and cash donations must be received by December 7th.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-How can I sign my child up for this program?
The Dover Police Department does not take sign-ups or nominations from the public. In order to identify children most in need and ensure that the selection process is fair, we partner with local school districts. Teachers, counselors, and other school employees will submit families for the program and they are then contacted by officers managing the program based on the amount of money we are able to raise. Please do not call the police department or your child’s school asking to be nominated.
-Will you take donations of physical items (blankets/coats/toys/etc.)?
Unfortunately we do not take donations other than checks, cash, and Target gift cards.
-Can we watch/participate in the shopping event?
While the shopping event does occur during regular store hours, we do not announce it in advance and do not use volunteers from outside of the Dover Police Department.
-Why do you only shop at Target?
Target is not only one of the few department stores in Dover with a wide selection to fit our families needs, but they have been an incredible partner over the last nine years. Target has donated thousands of dollars in donations and provided team member volunteers for our shopping trips since we launched Holiday Heroes in 2012. Target has also been a major contributor to our National Night Out events as well.
-How much money does the department need for Holiday Heroes?
No donation is too large or too small, every bit helps! We don’t set a goal because we want to help as many children as we can. In our highest fundraising years, we’ve helped over 100 LOCAL children.
-Can businesses donate/sponsor?
YES! We accept corporate donations for our program and are happy to e-mail you a letter/receipt for your donation upon request. You may also request a photo-op and social media shoutout for your business.
