Community Corner
12 Days of Giving: The Dearborn Police Officers Charities
Join us every day until Christmas for a new way to give time and money locally. Today, we showcase the Dearborn Police Officers Charities.
Name: The Officers Charities
Website: www.dbnpoad.org
What they're all about: The Dearborn Police Officers Charities is an independent, 501c3 foundation that helps residents cope with many issues–the biggest being helping families with children who are facing challenges.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The charity, which was formed 11 years ago, is taking another step in its mission to help others with the annual “Shop with a Cop” event Saturday morning at Walmart. At this event, police officers will help disadvantaged children pick out $100 in gifts for themselves and their siblings.
Dearborn police Lt. Mark Tobias said the shopping event helps people out at a time when many families are struggling economically.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We’ve been doing the event as long as Walmart has been here,” he said. “They provide funding for the first 20 kids to buy gifts.”
But ongoing, year-round fundraising by the charity has made it possible for that number to increase more than twofold, Tobias said.
“This year, we’re taking 42 children,” he said. “It’s a great event.”
Money is raised by the police officers comes from private donations from individuals, and also from events. The officers have an annual ball, a golf outing and recently held an officers vs. firefighters hockey game. These events help offices provide monies to families in need, especially those that have children who are dealing with serious medical issues.
Last year, the charity sent a terminally-ill sixth-grader to Disney World.
The other component of the charity is to help the families of law enforcement officers that have lost a loved one in the line of duty with expenses, along with providing emotional support.
How to help: Tobias said the reason Dearbornites should support the charity is that the money is an infusion for people in the community.
“We put everything we raise back into the community," he said. "No one is paid for their work."
There are many ways for people to help the charity, including taking part in the events that take place year-round. However, one-time donations are also accepted.
Those who would like to give can call the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2240, or mail a check to the police department, which is located at 16099 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48126. Checks can also be dropped off at the police department.
