The Dudley Police Department collected donations for needy families during the holiday season.  Many people and area businesses made generous contributions to this worthwhile cause. Needs were increased during the pandemic.  

A large volume of toys, clothing, and other gifts were provided to Dudley residents who needed assistance during these difficult times.  These were distributed on Monday, December 20.  

Thanks to the generosity of those who donated, approximately 25 local families, including 60 children, enjoyed the holiday when they would have otherwise gone without.  

This year, donations were great.  This was really an incredible effort by our residents and businesses, especially during these trying times.  Several hundred gifts and several thousand dollars were donated toward this effort.  

A special thank you goes out to the Fels’ Family Foundation, Jimmy’s Pizza, the Ziemski and Nawrocki families for their generosity.  

Several other families and individuals made significant contributions toward this campaign. Toy donations were also made by Dudley Elementary, Shepherd Hill Regional High School, and Nichols College. Tremendous thanks and appreciation go out to everyone who contributed.  

Any leftover toys have either been saved for the future or will be distributed to local families.  Credit and thanks go out to Sergeant/Lieutenant Marek Karlowicz and Officers Luis Pacheco and Chandler Boyd for another outstanding job coordinating and organizing this year’s drive.  Their hard work and dedication have made this event successful year after year.

The Dudley Police Department would like to thank the many residents and others who answered the call for assistance with extreme generosity toward this worthwhile cause.  This was a tremendous success once again.  The Department wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Safe Holiday Season and New Year. 

--Chief Steven Wojnar