The Greer Police Department asks for your help to keep a decades-old Christmas tradition alive.
How it Got Started
Thirty-seven years ago, the Greer Police Department saw an opportunity to help local families who were struggling during the Christmas season.
“It started with a few police officers in the department who were helping a single family in need. And then the second year, it expanded to a handful of families,” Chief Matt Hamby of the Greer Police Department said.
What began as a small effort eventually grew into what is now known as Cops for Tots.
“Our Cops for Tots program is a partnership between the police department and our community to provide Christmas toys to children in the Greer community who otherwise may not have much to receive,” Hamby said.
Community Impact
Over the years, that community support has helped thousands of kids receive Christmas presents.
For the Greer Police Department, the event is about more than gifts.
“It allows kids to see police officers in a different light, where we're not at a police function or on a call. They get to see the human side of who police officers are,” Hamby said.
How to Donate
As the countdown to Christmas begins, police ask for the community's help. They are accepting new, unwrapped gift donations in the lobby of the Greer Police Department through December 4.
You can drop off your gifts in the donation bin at 102 S. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check out our Cops for Tots Gift Ideas list for some recommended purchases. The list also includes items we do not accept, such as children's clothing, food, gaming systems, and movies.
People can also donate money by check or online.
By Check:
make your check out to the Greer Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, a nonprofit which helps facilitate the program. Drop checks off in the Greer Police Department lobby on S. Main Street or mail them to the address above.
Online:
Cops for Tots uses a platform called Givebutter. Please note the platform adds a service charge for online donations. Click link here to make an online donation.
Toy Distribution Day
Police say every donation—big or small—makes a difference.
“On the distribution day, the kids will come with their parents, and we will pair up a child with a police officer. They get to walk through the toy store that we've set up, and we give the kids quite a bit of stuff,” Hamby said.
Additional Resources
To here more about Cops for Tots, visit the link here or watch the video below.