RI State Police Aim To Raise $10k For Christmas Charity

CRANSTON, RI — Christmas is fast-approaching, despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Rhode Island State Police are still continuing a time-honored holiday tradition this year, adjusted to help keep everyone safe and socially distant.

Each year, the department collects toys for Cops, Kids and Cancer, which distributes donations to families in need.

"Collecting toys provided a welcome break from our daily work and gave us the opportunity to spread some cheer to children who might not otherwise have a gift to open on Christmas morning," the department said in a statement. "While everything is different this year, we didn’t want to cancel Kids, Cops & Christmas so we’re excited to announce that we’ve moved our celebration online."

Instead of collecting toys, the department is collecting donations online, with the goal of raising $10,000 by the end of two weeks. The department joined forces with Rhode Island State Police Museum Foundation, Department of Public Safety, Office of the U.S. Attorney, Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association to reach this goal.

Donations can be made via Facebook. Anyone who wants to mail a check can reach out to the department via direct message on Facebook for more information.

"We appreciate your support and wish you and your families a healthy and safe holiday!" the department said.