Portage, IN – The holiday season is underway, and Portage Police are again asking the community to help brighten Christmas for local children through the annual Cops for Kids program.
According to Portage FOP Lodge 145, officers are collecting donations now through Thursday, December 12, supporting their Christmas Shopping Program—an initiative that pairs officers with children from families facing hardship to shop for gifts and essentials. The program has become a long-standing tradition aimed at bringing joy to families who may otherwise struggle during the holidays.
FOP Lodge 145 stated that every donated dollar goes directly toward purchasing gifts for less fortunate children in the Portage area and surrounding communities. Officers say the program not only provides presents but also builds positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.
Residents can donate cash or checks payable to FOP Lodge 145. All contributions stay within the community and help fund shopping trips that officers conduct with participating children in mid-December.
Police say this year’s need is expected to be high as more families continue to face financial strain from rising costs. The department is encouraging early donations to ensure enough funding is available before the December deadline.
Community members who wish to participate can drop off contributions at FOP Lodge 145 or with designated officers involved in the program. Organizers emphasize that even small donations make a meaningful difference.
“How much joy we can bring depends entirely on community support,” the lodge wrote in its holiday announcement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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