TORRINGTON – The Torrington Police Department (TPD) is working to make the holidays merrier for local senior citizens.
Beginning in 2021, the Torrington Police Department works with the Senior Friendship Center to identify local senior citizens who are in need of some help during the holiday season.
“We have a great partnership with the Senior Friendship Center,” Police Chief Matt Johnson said. “We get to work with them several times of the year, part of that is getting to help out with this.”
Johnson and the crew at TPD fundraise to benefit the senior citizens and accept donations from the community for needed items, such as walkers, bath robes and groceries.
“We began the first week of December,” Johnson said. “It’s something we feel pretty passionate about; helping our senior folks who need it the most. For the past couple of years, we have taken them on as part of our family for Christmas. We try to meet their needs during the Christmas season.”
Johnson explained how he had witnessed senior citizens in a somber place, especially during COVID where they were locked down in their homes, unable to visit family and loved ones or have their family and loved ones visit them.
He and his team at TPD decided it would be best to help out the seniors and try to make a difference in their lives, but it’s not possible without help from the community.
“We appreciate everything we have received so far,” Johnson said. “it’s fun to see our community pull together like this for those in need. The best part is getting to give out the gifts”
The police department began fundraising efforts the first week in December and will continue through Christmas Eve. An updated list of items needed has been maintained on the Torrington Police Department’s Facebook page.
Items needed, as of press time, include:
The Torrington Police Department asks donations to be dropped off at the Torrington Police Department, 436 East 22nd Avenue in Torrington.
“We hope they get to have a really fun Happy Christmas, and know a lot of people care about them,” Johnson said.
For questions about the program, contact the Torrington Police Department at 307-532-7001.
