SHELBY — A warm glow is now visible through the window of the Shelby Justice Center.
The lobby tree is up and lit just in time for the Shelby Police Department’s annual Christmas program, which assists local families during the holiday season.
The program is designed as a “stop-gap measure to help people who were unable to get assistance through other programs, or recently had a change in employment circumstance that would prevent them from providing gifts to their children,” Shelby Chief of Police Lance Combs wrote on the department’s Facebook page.
The program is intended to help families living within the Shelby City School District.
After requests are made, each gift will be distributed prior to Christmas by appointment.
If any gifts remain, they are transported to Shelby Help Line Ministries to assist the non-profit organization with its Christmas program the following year — or as other needs arise.
“We are fortunate to live in a community that gives freely to those in need and fortunate to have a space available to be able to store and distribute for those who may need a hand up,” the chief wrote. “As always, thank you for your donations and Merry Christmas.”
Families in need may reach out to Shelby police Chaplain Dan Gates via email (dangates@shelbycity.oh.gov) or by calling 419-347-2242. Those requesting gifts are instructed to leave their phone number with Shelby police.
The chaplain will reach out for a conversation for vetting purposes and also to address families’ needs.
Gift donations may be dropped off and placed anywhere under the Shelby Justice Center tree 24 hours per day, seven days a week through Christmas Eve.
Those donating gifts are instructed to approach the dispatch window and let an officer know why they are there before being let in to the lobby.
The Shelby Justice Center is located at 31 Mack Ave.
As of last year (and due to the program’s growth), all gifts must be unwrapped. Wrapping paper will be provided to gift recipients by the department so they can package their own gifts.
Keeping gifts unwrapped also assists both Shelby police and Shelby Help Line when categorizing gifts. It also reduces wrapping paper waste.
“Teens are the most difficult and overlooked kids in this program,” Combs wrote in his Facebook post. “If you are in a financial position to do so, gift cards are the best for this group.”
Checks (preferred) and cash donations are also accepted. Checks should be made out to Shelby FOP Lodge #180, memo section “Christmas Program.”
“The FOP always steps up with a donation as well if there are specific needs that are unfulfilled by donation,” the chief wrote.
Businesses, groups and civic organizations are encouraged to donate as a whole. Photos are also encouraged and may be used for social media purposes.
If available and requested, a member of the department will come out for a photo with groups.