Winter Park PD to serve up holiday donation drive

The Winter Park Police Department is looking to spread some holiday cheer — and it needs help from Winter Park residents. 

Throughout much of December, the department will host its “Holiday Helping Others” drive,  a seasonal toy and food drive to help those in need. 

“Throughout the year, officer Javier Rodriguez organizes a monthly emergency food drive for seniors and children in our community,” said master police officer Liza Cieszynski, of the community services division. “This one is going to have a more direct focus on the holiday season. … It drives the point home, and we just ask people bring donations to our police department, but we can also come to you.”

The drive, organized by Rodriguez, Ciezynski and master officer Jim Whitman, had a soft launch in November and will run until about Dec. 16. Although Rodriguez handles monthly food drives, he said there seems to be a greater desire for food and toys in the community. 

“The need has become greater, Rodriguez said. “I’ve seen an increase in participation with emergency food pantries. Last year, we were able to help (more than) 400 senior families get food, and this year, we’ve already surpassed that. … Sometimes, seniors have pride and walk around with smiles and everything is fine, but in reality, they’re in need.”

 The department is looking for food and toys to give to the Tranquil Terrace and the Plymouth apartment complexes and others, Cieszynski said. The department also partners with the Winter Park Community Center for the toy drive. 

“We didn’t want to distract from the Thanksgiving joy,” she said. “Now that December is coming up, we want to go full gear with it.”

The officers are aware December is a busy time of the year. So, instead of just receiving food items at the police department, they are willing to drive to pick up the items and will set up additional transportation for larger donations. Rodriguez said it is just as important to serve the community as it is to protect it.

“It’s great to take bad guys to jail and uphold the law, but the other side of it is helping,” Rodriguez said. “It’s what happens when we take the oath. It’s to help others. … We are all part of this community, and we hope people embrace this drive and help us.”

REQUESTED ITEMS

FOOD

Cake mixes

Cereal

Granola bars

Hamburger Helper and Stove Top

Juices

Meal supplements

Non-perishable canned goods

Pasta

Ready-to-eat meals

Rice

Snacks

TOYS

Board games

Dolls

Coloring books

Crafts

TOILETRIES

Deodorant

Lotion 

Shampoo

Soap

Tissues

Toilet paper

Toothpaste

HOW TO HELP

Contact Winter Park Police Community Services Division officer Javier Rodriguez at (407) 599-3301 or [email protected].