Sgt. Brian Robinson said this year’s effort was aided by a large number of volunteers who showed up at the lodge in Joyce Park at 8 a.m. Saturday to help with efforts.
“We actually had so many people show up and it was one of the quickest more efficient pre-delivery times that we’ve ever had,” Robinson said. “When we come in we have all the presents laid out for each address and have the food and everything out ready to be boxed up and organized into the delivery routes then we load them up and deliver them. It only took us about an hour to get everything ready for delivery. It was quick.”
The team effort involved officers from Hamilton, Oxford, New Miami and Miami University, along with their friends and family. Hamilton traffic officer Mike Coleman headed up this year’s effort, which involved organizing who was receiving the holiday cheer.
“We get so many referrals and names from schools and faith-based organizations of families that are in need over the holidays,” Robinson said. “Some people will just call in and tell us about a friend or family member that has fallen on hard times.”
He added that Coleman on his own time went out and talked to the many referrals that were made in order to gauge the help they needed.
“He did an amazing job of interviewing the families and finding out what they needed and how many children they have and their ages,” Robinson said. “We try to find out what they specifically want or need so we can construct a package for each family we deliver to and Mike handled all of that. He constructed an entire system for each one of them.”
Getting businesses and community leaders as well as residents involved in the effort is a huge part of what has made the Christmas Caravan successful and sustainable.
“We work with Kroger on Route 4 and they give us quite a deal and donate some of the stuff,” Robinson said. “We have worked with them for several years. We get milk, a full turkey, eggs, cheese, canned goods, dry goods and bread. Just try to get everything a family would need for a full Christmas deal for a huge family. Meijer out on the west side chipped in a lot this year so we could continue the Christmas Caravan.”
Mayor Patrick Moeller and a large number of people are part of a group called the Fraternal Order of Police Associates. The group is made up of non-law enforcement residents who want to help the Lodge with benevolent efforts.
“They help with fund-raising so we can keep doing things like the Christmas Caravan and handing out candy to kids at Halloween,” Robinson said. “They raised a large sum of money for us to help with the caravan this year.”
Moeller said he has been involved with the Christmas Caravan for over 20 years both as a member of the FOPA and as mayor.
“The families who receive the food and toys are so appreciative. The families of the police officers who gather up the donated items, wrap toys, and deliver to the needy spread the real meaning of Christmas which is giving to others,” Moeller said. “Our police department continues to be engaged in the community and this event adds to the bridge of community involvement. FOPA, along with other sponsors, is proud to be part of the annual HPD Christmas Caravan, which has served thousands of people over the years.”
Robinson said that the Christmas Caravan is not a new idea, but it is something that he hopes will be around for a long time.
“It has been around for decades. I have been a member of the lodge for 21 years and they were doing it long before I ever got here,” he said.
“It’s amazing to see the surprise and gratitude of parents and joy of children when they realize why the police have come knocking on their door,” Hamilton Police Chief Craig Bucheit said of the Christmas Caravan.
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