OSHKOSH, Wis. — On the second floor of the Public Safety Building in Oshkosh, Public Affairs and Crime Prevention Officer Kate Mann has transformed the old jail into Santa's workshop. Empty jail cells are now filled with donations.
"It's just amazing. We couldn't do what we do without the generosity of the community," she said.
PetSmart donated 1,000 stuffed animals. A group of women from Lakefront Manor secured a grant to make handmade hats, scarves and fleece blankets. His Church donated 120 blessing bags.
"And in these bags are various items including hygiene, hats, scarves, mittens, bottles of water," Mann explained.
The Department's Command and Community Outreach vehicle also serves as Santa's sleigh during the holidays. On Tuesday, Oshkosh Police Chief Dean Smith and Officer Mann visited the outlet mall to pick-up donated clothing. Old Navy is adopting three families in need this year.
"I hope they feel happy. I do feel that with everything they receive that they know people care for them," said General Manager Jason Moore.
The Dress Barn is also glad to give to a family that's fallen on tough times.
"I think a lot of us have been in situations. You know everybody's got a story, so just kind of not judging and you know just doing what we can to help them," explained Assistant Manager Ann Steinhorst.
Officer Mann and Chief Smith loaded up the presents to make more special deliveries.
Police have already given gifts to 11 refugee families living in Oshkosh, to young patients in two hospitals and to local seniors.
Mann said, "A lot of them started crying. They said they don't have family anymore. They weren't expecting any gifts this Christmas and that meant a lot to them."
The homeless, "at risk" youth and domestic violence survivors will also have something under the tree.
Mann said Oshkosh police act as the bridge between the donors and those who receive the donations, but in the process, officers are building even stronger relationships with the community they serve by making sure no one is forgotten this Christmas.
"You know it's not a lot that we're giving them," Mann said, "But It's something to say, 'Hey, you are remembered, you are valued and we want you to have a great holiday.'"
If you'd like to donate anything from toys to toiletries and more, you can drop off your gifts at the Oshkosh Police Department located at 420 Jackson Street.
