CPD’s Secret Santa for Seniors Gift Drive is Back for Its 16th Year; Support Local Businesses and Seniors This Holiday Season

Whether your holiday shopping is already underway or you’re preparing in advance of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and/or Cyber Monday, the Cambridge Police Department wants to encourage residents and businesses to once again consider supporting the “Secret Santa for Seniors” gift drive. Now in its 16^th year, the gift drive brings gifts and joy to seniors who may not have any remaining family members or loved ones nearby during the holiday season.

This program relies solely on generous donations from Cambridge businesses, residents, community members, and CPD employees. Gift bags are organized and distributed to seniors throughout the city on the days leading up to Christmas to remind them that they are not forgotten.

“Every year, more and more seniors in Cambridge are identified as worthy recipients of this impactful program,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow. “The Cambridge community always rises to the occasion and meets these growing demands. With the community’s continued support, our goal is to ensure that no seniors feel lonely this holiday season.”

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

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

Donations will be accepted now through Friday, December 16, 2022. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing gifts in-person or online through Cambridge Local First or the various Cambridge business associations. A Secret Santa for Seniors “Wish List” has also been created on Amazon.

• Amazon Wish List: https://camb.ma/SecretSanta22
• Cambridge Local First: https://cambridgelocalfirst.org/holidaygiftguide/
• Central Square Business Improvement District: https://www.centralsq.org/shopping
• East Cambridge Business Association: https://eastcambridgeba.com/the-retailer
• 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 in Cambridge. 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, CambridgeSide, Reservoir Church, MIT, Whole Foods, Cambridge Brands, Phil’s Towing, U-Haul Central Square, Trader Joe’s, Pro EMS and Coca-Cola.  

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