Saint John police successfully wrapped up their fourth annual Holiday in a Box campaign on Friday.
More than 600 wrapped boxes and 225 gift cards were collected, providing support to less fortunate and vulnerable adults during the holiday season.
Police handed over their collection to community organizations from the city’s five priority neighbourhoods to distribute.
Chief Robert Bruce said he is proud of the community’s generosity and commitment.
“We saw young people and senior citizens contribute in various ways. Our hockey, teams, community groups, schools, and businesses provided overwhelming support to this campaign,” Bruce said.
The Holiday in a Box campaign challenges citizens and police members to fill shoeboxes with essential and non-essential items, including gift cards.
The police received anonymous donations and proceeds from the police force’s 175th-anniversary coins.
The additional funds helped improve this year’s campaign and to provide more gift cards to their total.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Weir of the Saint John Police Force’s media relations office appreciates seeing the community thinking of others first.
“It’s nice to know that the unfortunate members of our community are not being left out during the holiday season and I think that’s what’s important right now,” Weir said.
Last year’s campaign saw 575 holiday boxes and 65 gift cards collected for those in need.
“Having a little gift to open around Christmas with some surprises means a lot,” said Tamara Kelly, executive director of ONE Change.
“This may be the only thing some people receive this Christmas, so it is very much appreciated.”
The five priority neighbourhood organizations receiving the boxes are:
- Crescent Valley Resource Centre
- Carleton Community Centre
- P.U.L.S.E. Inc.
- ONE Change
- Waterloo Village Neighbourhood Association
