19th Annual Gifts from the Heart

The Oshkosh Police Department is about to launch its 19th annual Gifts from the Heart holiday assistance project in partnership with UW Oshkosh Head Start. An ad will appear in the Sunday, November 6 Oshkosh Northwestern inviting the community to participate by “adopting” wish lists from children who participate in Head Start and their brothers and sisters. OPD volunteers will staff our holiday hotline (379-3537) starting on November 7 (9-11am M-F).


Businesses, individuals, student groups and classrooms, athletic teams, family and church groups have all participated in the past to make our previous projects successful. In 2010, with the help of the community, we provided holiday gifts to 425 children and youth (ages birth to 18 years of age). We do not provide any adult gifts. On December 10, volunteers from throughout the community will help us wrap the gifts and our Officers (who volunteer) and Auxiliary members will deliver the gifts. We have families who are registered with our program in all seven Districts. Gift delivery is a great opportunity for team policing activity and outreach. Our November “Beyond the Badge” TV show will also feature this project.

Check out our website for more information. If you know of a group or individual who would like to be a donor, have them contact me or call the hotline. A new community partner this year is Lara’s Tortilla Flats. They are hosting a collection drive for toys and children’s clothing on our behalf throughout November. For each item donated, you receive a free appetizer or dessert (one per check).

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