December 19th, 2023 by WCBC Radio
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the 8th Annual Police Providing Presents event took place in Garrett County. This event was made possible through the collaboration of volunteers from four law enforcement agencies in Garrett County, along with the Garrett County Department of Social Services, Garrett County Board of Education and Garrett County Health Department.
Although this event may have different names across the country, its purpose remains the same. The event aimed to provide selected children from Garrett County Schools with the opportunity to spend the day with members of various law enforcement agencies, Maryland State Police, Garrett County Sheriff's Office, Maryland Natural Resource Police and the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.
The event kicked off with the officers picking up their assigned partners for the day and together they went shopping for gifts at the Oakland Walmart. Later, a luncheon with various activities was held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. These activities included demonstrations of fire trucks and ambulances, as well as ornament making, cookie decorating, and interactive games. Volunteers wrapped the purchased gifts during these activities, ensuring that the children could take them home to their families.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Garrett County Department of Social Services for their partnership since the inception of Police Providing Presents, as well as their continued support for the program each year. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the Garrett County Public Schools for their assistance in selecting the children who participated in this event. Special thanks go to Oakland Walmart, Garrett County Fair Board, Crossroads Church, Deep Creek Fire Department, Garrett County Emergency Services, Little Caesars (Grantsville), Ledo Pizza, Pizza Hut, Subway (Oakland Walmart), Arrowhead Market, Penn Alps Restaurant, McDonald’s (Deep Creek Lake), Wisp Resort, Funland, Monkey Business Adventure Park, Katie’s Ice Cream, Marissa Mullenax Bakery, Samantha Funding the Arts, Utz, (Cumberland) and Total Biz Fulfillment. We would also like to acknowledge and thank the numerous businesses and individuals who generously made donations. It is because of your support that this event was a tremendous success!
The annual Police Providing Presents event was again a great success. Those wishing to donate for next year’s event scheduled for Saturday, December 7th, 2024 can make donations in the form of checks or money orders to Garrett County Department of Social Services (GCDSS), 12578 Garrett Highway, Oakland, Maryland 21550 and specify "Police Providing Presents."
