Michael Bergen’s Hands to Hearts provided free toys to all the kids who attended KCPD’s Blue Christmas event Saturday at East Patrol. Hands to Heart is a nonprofit and volunteer organization that delivers toys to low income families throughout Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Contributed Photo

By Michael Bushnell

The Kansas City, Mo., Police Department (KCPD) partnered with the Harvester’s Food Network, Kanbe’s Markets and Michael Bergen’s Hands to Heart to bring the KCPD Blue Holiday Event to the department’s East Patrol station on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Free gifts were provided to the first 500 children in attendance, and a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings was provided to families, as well. 

As an added treat, there was a special appearance by Santa Claus for all the good boys and girls.

KCPD Sergeant Cathy Coots and KCPD Chaplain Brenda Smith provided donuts from Lamar’s Donuts to a family at the KCPD Blue Christmas event this past Saturday at East Patrol station. Contributed Photo

Saturday’s event was the first in-person giveaway event since December 2019, when KCPD partnered with Harvesters for the holiday ham giveaway. Organizers were excited about being back in person.

“A lot of individuals and families are unemployed and stressed with financial situations,” said Officer Patrick Byrd, one of East Patrol’s Community Interaction Officers. “KCPD and our community partners wanted to relieve some of those stressors by providing food and gifts to those in need.”