Shop Online & Support Seniors and Local Businesses This Holiday Season During CPD’s 14th Annual Secret Santa for Seniors Gift Drive

It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted senior residents. According to a recent survey, 36% of American seniors aged 75 and older report increased feelings of loneliness amid the pandemic. 28% of these seniors said their loneliness was the direct result of not being able to visit their loved ones. Now in its 14^th year, the Cambridge Police Department’s “Secret Santa for Seniors” gift drive is focused on bringing much-needed cheer and items for seniors this holiday season.  

The following suggested items – unwrapped – would be greatly appreciated:

• Food – non-perishable (e.g. chocolate, tea, jams, crackers, hard candy, canned goods)
• Gift cards
• Socks
• Slippers
• Bath robes
• Dish towels
• Local sport team items
• Large print books

Donations will be accepted now through Friday, December 18, 2020.  This year, the gift drive will primarily be online to make it easier and safer for people seeking to purchase gifts for seniors. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing gifts online through the various Cambridge business associations. A Secret Santa for Seniors “Wish List” has also been created on Amazon.

• Amazon Wish List: https://camb.ma/AmazonSSS
• Cambridge Local First: https://camb.ma/CambLocalSSS
• Central Square Business Association: https://camb.ma/CentralSqSSS
• East Cambridge Business Association: https://camb.ma/EastCambSSS2
• Harvard Square Business Association: https://camb.ma/HarvardSqSSS

Gifts can also be dropped off 24/7 at drop boxes in the first floor main lobby of the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility at 125 Sixth Street. Or, gifts can be shipped to Sgt. Susan Kale, Cambridge Police Department, 125 6^th Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.

Over the 14 years of this program, the Cambridge Police Department and our generous community partners and residents have brought joy to thousands of senior citizens. This year’s Secret Santa for Seniors partners are the the Office of Mayor Siddiqui, the Cambridge Housing Authority, Mount Auburn Hospital, Reservoir Church, MIT, Whole Foods, Phil’s Towing, Foundation Medicine, the Peretti Family, Gentle Giant Moving, U-Haul Central Square, Trader Joe’s, Star Market and Pro EMS.  

For more information, please contact Adam Patten at (617) 349-9354 or e- mail apatten@cambridgepolice.org.