Santa and his elves — Aberdeen police officers, firefighters, explorers and volunteers — delivered gifts to families as part of its modified Shop with a Cop event Dec. 12.

The annual Grays Harbor Shop with a Cop event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but local departments came up with their own way to continue the tradition of giving gifts to local families that might otherwise go without.

“We have been active participants in this worthwhile charity event for over 20 years and were looking for a way to still have a positive impact for those in need,” said Aberdeen Commander Dale Green. “Our neighbors at the Hoquiam Police Department came up with a giving tree and we promptly decided to do one as well.”

With the help and generosity of many local citizens and businesses, the department was able to raise over $3,500 to provide Christmas presents and meals to six Aberdeen families and 17 kids.

“We were truly overwhelmed with the support we were able to get in a short amount of time and thankful for the generosity of our community,” said Green. “In addition to our citizens, The Ladies of the Elks, International Longshoreman of GH, Swanson’s, Edward Jones-Garrett Folkers, Aberdeen Police Officer’s Guild and Aberdeen Firefighters Local #2639 all contributed to make this a success.”

Hoquiam Shop with a Cop

In Hoquiam, the giving tree in the police station lobby went up Dec. 1. Chief Jeff Myers asked that gifts be returned by Dec. 11, providing time for the gifts to be wrapped. Myers said Tuesday the gifts will be delivered Monday afternoon.

Santa and his elves delivered the Aberdeen Police Department’s giving tree gifts to six families and 17 kids Dec. 12.

COURTESY PHOTO The Hoquiam Police Department giving tree went up Dec. 1. Chief Jeff Myers said gifts will be delivered Monday.

Santa and his elves delivered the Aberdeen Police Department’s giving tree gifts to six families and 17 kids Dec. 12.