The Ridgefield Police Benevolent Association is glad to show there is more to holiday spirit around Christmas time than just giving Toys for Tots.
The PBA runs multiple programs around the holidays to help those in need, including Shop With A Cop, Repair Because We Care and the Winter Aid Program.
“These programs are intended to help alleviate the added stressors of the holidays and help people focus on what’s important,” said Capt. Jeffery Kreitz, spokesman for the department.
In Shop With A Cop, two families are chosen with the assistance of Ridgefield Social Services Department to make the season a little brighter by helping them pay for gifts for their children, as well as a great holiday meal. Officers from the Ridgefield Police Department will pick up the children in a police car and take them on a shopping spree. This program is made possible by Kohl’s, Toys R’ Us, Stop & Shop and generous members of the community.
In Repair Because We Care, people in the community get help with the expenses of car repair. This program was developed by Officer Chris DiFalco, a native of Ridgefield. “Not everyone can afford to fix and maintain their vehicles especially around the holiday season. We do not want people to have to choose between buying a gift and fixing the family vehicle,” Kreitz said. “We know that the gift will more often than not win, which could then compromise roadway safety.” This year with the help of Ridgefield Social Services two families will be chosen for vehicle repairs/maintenance. This program is made possible by Precision Brake Works, Ace Tire and the generous members of the community.
In the Winter Aid Program, families get assistance with home heating oil. This program is in partnership with Montanari Fuel and Stop & Shop.
The Ridgefield PBA is comprised of the men and women of the Ridgefield Police Department who proudly serve the Town of Ridgefield.
For more information on how to contribute to or partake in these programs, call Social Services at 203-431-2777.
The people must be from Ridgefield to get these local gifts, said Tony Phillips, Director of Social Services.
We’ll help them identify somebody who is a good fit for their program,” Phillips said.
The PBA programs are a welcome addition to the variety of programs Social Services offers, including the distribution of turkeys for Thanksgiving meals among the poor. Last week, 170 turkeys were distributed.
“Absolutely, it’s a good thing they’re doing. There are lots of people with different needs,” Phillips said. “We work on housing, clothing, jackets. And a bigger ticket item is their car, to keep people employed. Cars are a big expense.”
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