‘We want to make the difference,’ DPD Angel Tree program delivers gifts to kids in the community

The Dayton Police Department (DPD) is in the middle of their ‘Angel Tree’ delivery season, dropping off gifts to over 50 kids in the community.

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Sgt. Danielle Cash started the Angel Tree program in 2012, and since then nearly everyone in the department is happy to be involved.

“We want to make the difference, we want to make somebody’s Christmas brighter,” Sgt. Cash said in an interview with News Center 7.

When it comes to purchasing gifts for the kids, Sgt. Cash often hears people say, “I might have gone a little crazy,” because none of the kids walk away with just one present, according to Sgt. Cash. Each child gets three ‘wishes,’ and a winter coat.

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Many of the popular items children requested were toys, bikes, scooters and basketballs, while many of the kids requested necessary items such as socks and underwear.

“Its especially rewarding when you see their eyes light up over something like a coat, you know that you’ve made a difference,” Sgt. Cash said.

DPD and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) will be delivering gifts to 15 families, over 50 kids in total.

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“We don’t want any of our kids to be cold during the frigid Ohio weather,” Sgt. Cash said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community, especially those that need us the most.”

Donations to the Angel Tree program are welcomed around the time of the Christmas season each year.

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