York police still accepting donations to help families at Christmas

The York Police Department is still seeking donations of money, toys and gift cards to help make a better Christmas for less fortunate families.

The department is in particular need of gift cards for older children and teenagers, Lt. Dale Edwards said. Gift cards for clothing stores allow older children to pick out items themselves and ensure a better fit.

“It makes them feel better about themselves, because they’re wearing something they like,” Edwards said. “We’re not going to turn down any help we can get.”

The department has paid for the annual holiday drive for several years through community donations, including those received by officers bagging groceries at Bi-Lo.

“We raise the money ourselves,” Edwards said. “The city doesn’t give us anything.”

The department will be accepting donations through Dec. 18. After that, officers will put the items together and take them to their selected families. Edwards said his shift was able to help six families last Christmas.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 1:06 PM with the headline "York police still accepting donations to help families at Christmas."