The Hickory Police Department is gearing up for its annual Cops for Tots event, intended to spread holiday cheer by gathering and distributing toys to children in need from the local community, applications are now open for families wanting to participate in the 2025 Cops for Tots Wish House, an initiative that has grown substantially since its inception in the 1980s, initially serving a mere twelve families. According to the details available on the official City of Hickory's website, interested parents or guardians can apply online or in person, with the additional provision of an application in Spanish.
Eligibility requirements for the program specify that applicants must be residents of Catawba, Burke, Alexander, or Caldwell Counties and they must present a current government-issued photo ID, as well as a Medicaid card or a birth certificate for each child; moreover, families already receiving services from the Christmas Bureau in 2025 are not eligible, social security cards will not be accepted the age range for eligible children is from birth to 13 years old. Citizens wishing to contribute to the cause can drop off new, unwrapped toys at a collection box located at the Hickory Police Department or send in monetary donations by mail, ensuring that one hundred percent of the proceeds are dedicated to the Christmas Wish House or other related programs for kids.
The Cops for Tots Wish House is scheduled to be open from December 10 to December 12 at the Hickory Police Training Annex with two daily sessions planned, the timings being from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; this event not only represents the community's tangible support for those less fortunate but also cements the police department's role in fostering positive community relations, the HPD invites locals to play their part in making the holidays a bit brighter for children within the counties served.
For further inquiries, individuals can get in touch with the police department by calling an extension specifically designated for the Cops for Tots program or by sending an email, the contact details of which are readily available on the city’s website together with the required information on the program and how to apply, the department encourages anyone looking to extend a helping hand this festive season to reach out or just stop by with their contributions.
