NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Hundreds of families will be receiving a basket of cheer from Metro Nashville Police officers on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas baskets, which are filled with food and toys, will be going out to more than 250 families in the Metro area. The first delivery went out at 6 a.m.
“This year, we’re serving 295 families and over 1,000 people. And so what happens is during the year, officers as they go about their day-to-day business, meeting families, whether it’s through calls for service or engaging in the community, nominate these particular families,” said Metro Police Chief John Drake.
This year marks the department’s 60th anniversary of the Christmas Basket Program, and of course this year, things will be a little different due to strict COVID-19 protocols.
All participants and visitors at the West Precinct will be required to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing. They will also have minimal to no contact with families receiving the baskets.
The toys & food baskets are being loaded into vehicles now. pic.twitter.com/dmJv3TlFcT
— Aaron Cantrell (@AaronTheNewsGuy) December 24, 2020
Drake said through donations, the community made all of this possible.
“You know, it’s been a really tough year for all of us – the tornado and COVID and all that and it’s really challenging for families. Can you imagine how elated they’re going to be when they see the food and the toys when they may not have been expecting anything? So, it’s just outstanding,” Drake added.
