Solving crimes and putting out fires aren’t the only duties of Prince George’s County public safety workers around the holidays — they’re also hosting community parties and gathering and distributing food for families in need. The Prince George’s County Police Department hosted its annual community Christmas party for children on Dec. 4. And both the police and fire departments are participating in food drives this week.
Police said more than 500 children attended the Christmas party at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, where they participated in crafts, ate and took photos with Santa. The children were invited to attend through the county school system’s free and reduced lunch program. This year’s event was the department’s 27th holiday party.
And public safety agencies in the county are participating in several food drives this week.
The police, the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association’s Maryland chapter and the Spanish radio station Viva 900 are partnering for a food drive to aid families in Langley Park.
The drive will take place Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the police department’s community policing office, 8011 New Hampshire Ave. in Langley Park. People can contribute nonperishable food products and money.
Firefighters and other groups are participating in the Prince George’s County Public Safety Assistance Program’s food drive. The program aims to deliver at 3,000 food baskets to needy families.
People can donate canned goods through Friday, according to fire and emergency services spokesman Mark Brady. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Food can be dropped off at any fire station, police station, the sheriff’s office, the courthouse or the county administration building. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 548, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773.
On Dec. 20, elected officials and public safety leaders will fill and deliver the baskets. For more information, call program coordinator Bill Milligan at 240-508-9080.
