CPD's Secret Santa for Seniors Gift Drive is Back for Its 15th Year

This year marks a special milestone for the Cambridge Police Department’s Secret Santa for Seniors program. Now in its 15^th year, the “Secret Santa for Seniors” gift drive will once again bring much-needed cheer and items for seniors during the holiday season.  

This program relies solely on generous donations from Cambridge businesses, residents, community members, and CPD employees. Their support and generosity brings great joy to seniors who may not have any remaining family members or loved ones nearby. Gift bags are organized and distributed to seniors throughout the City on the days leading up to Christmas.

“We are so proud of this program and the impact it has had on so many seniors throughout the City of Cambridge,” said Acting Police Commissioner Christine Elow. “The holiday season can be a lonely time and this program helps remind our seniors that they are not forgotten. With the community’s help, we are looking forward to the 15^th year being the biggest and best year yet.”  

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

• Food – non-perishable (e.g. chocolate, tea, jams, crackers, hard candy, canned goods)
• Gift cards
• Winter hats and gloves
• Sweatshirts
• Washcloths
• Socks
• Slippers
• Bath robes
• Pajamas
• Cough drops and skin therapy lotion
• Local sport team items
• Puzzle books

Donations will be accepted now through Friday, December 17, 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s 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://bit.ly/CPDSSS
• Cambridge Local First: https://camb.ma/CambLocalSSS
• Central Square Business Improvement District: https://camb.ma/CentralSqSSS
• East Cambridge Business Association: https://camb.ma/EastCambSSS2
• Harvard Square Business Association: https://camb.ma/HarvardSqSSS

Gifts can 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. They can also be shipped to Sgt. Susan Kale, Cambridge Police Department, 125 6^th Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.

This year’s Secret Santa for Seniors partners include the Office of Mayor Siddiqui, the City of Cambridge City Manager’s Office, the Cambridge Housing Authority, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Mount Auburn Hospital, CambridgeSide, Reservoir Church, MIT, Whole Foods, Phil’s Towing, Foundation Medicine, the Peretti Family, Gentle Giant Moving, U-Haul Central Square, Trader Joe’s and Pro EMS.  

For more information, please contact Sgt. Susan Kale at (617) 349-3210 or email communityrelations@cambridgepolice.org.