The annual First Responder Holiday Helpers drive has begun, seeking financial donations as it strives to assist 400 Harvey County families in need in the upcoming holiday season.
The initiative, led by the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Newton Police Department, is a partnership between all the emergency response agencies of Harvey County.
“All of our local first responders work well together, and this is an opportunity for all of us to give back to our community in a different way,” said Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay. “First Responder Holiday Helpers is a great project because we get to give folks a helping hand and see all of their smiles when we deliver food boxes.”
First Responder Holiday Helpers gathers financial contributions from the community in the months leading up to Christmas. Those funds are used to purchase food items through Dillons, which contributes a 10% match of its own.
In December, emergency responders will visit the Dillons Distribution Center to box food donations. The boxes of food are dispersed throughout the community to families that could use a boost over the holidays.
The program has provided food donations to nearly 2,000 families since its inception.
“The generosity of our local businesses and residents over many years has just been incredible. We could not do this every year without their support,” Gay said.
Financial donations can be delivered or mailed to the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office or Newton Police Department, co-located at 120 E. Seventh St. in Newton. Checks can be made payable to First Responder Holiday Helpers.