Chief Mark Swistek and the men and women of the Michigan City Police Department this Holiday Season have taken on the challenge to help others in need and take the time to donate to charitable causes.
We were approached last year to assist in the “Angel Tree” Program hosted by the National Youth Advocate Program which is a non for profit organization based in Merrillville, Indiana with an office at 732 Wabash here in Michigan City.
Each year NYAP holds a holiday campaign in an attempt to acknowledge Foster Children, Foster Parents, and Foster Parents biological children with Christmas gifts.
Last year we had an overwhelming response with presents and clothing from our officers and staff. This year we had over 30 children on our “Angel Tree” and with the help of the NIPSCO Union trades and staff we were able to fulfill all of the requests!
The NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM is a non-for-profit licensed child placing agency that provides foster care and home-based services throughout Northwest Indiana. This agency based In Merrillville currently has over 50 foster homes and generally have around 100 children living in these foster homes during the Christmas season.
Additionally we will be purchasing and delivering over $1000.00 in food to the Salvation Army Food Pantry tomorrow afternoon. And in continuing with the Christmas spirit we donated 12 basketballs to the Boys and Girls club along with our 3rd annual “Shop With Our Cops” program!
These are just continuing examples of our men and women of the Michigan City Police who care for people, children and the community in which we live and work.
Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!