Police union helps more than 75 Oakland families have brighter Christmas

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_16938322

By Harry Harris
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 12/24/2010 03:25:09 PM PST
Updated: 12/24/2010 06:37:59 PM PST

OAKLAND -- More than 75 families across the city have a brighter Christmas today thanks to the Oakland Police Officer's Association.

Police officers in patrol cars, vans and trucks delivered baskets Friday morning containing toys, food or both to the families, continuing a more than 30-year OPOA tradition. It was the largest number of families ever to receive the baskets, said OPOA president Sgt. Dom Arotzarena.

He said all of the families were identified by officers working in different areas of the city as being in need of help this Christmas. "It's a sad sign of the times," he said, adding the recipients "are very grateful."

Toys included wagons, dolls, action figures, sports equipment, board games, miniature cars and stuffed animals.

Fixings for a complete turkey dinner were also distributed.

FULL story at link.

[Iggo]

1. +

:applause:

[NBachers]

2. Good for the OPD

There's trouble in the streets, their ranks are getting cut, and they still find the resources and motivation to distribute help at Christmastime. Good for the Oakland Police Department.

Every time I go over there and see these officers at work, I'm reminded of the Detroit Police Department of Robocop. I haven't always had the best relationship with the cops, but my hat's off to them for doing a hard job under difficult conditions.

Union. Yes.

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. k&r