Hoping to give hope!

My name is Scott Sullivan and I am an Officer with the Portsmouth Police Department and we need your help. Last year we were blessed to be able to work with members of the school department to help some families and this year we want to do more. There are so many individuals and families in our town that are really hurting or just need a bit of help.

Last year a child in Portsmouth was asked to give her wish and her ONLY request was footie pajamas. Another wanted nothing but a new blanket for her mom, and the stories go on. We want to keep this as anonymous as possible and just help the families do those special things and make moving forward a little easier. The greatest thing when you are struggling is hope and when hope becomes reality magic can happen.

I am requesting your help by donating or by simply passing this on to someone, a business, or a corporation that may be able to help.

What is needed? Anything! A cash donation or a check. It can be dropped at the station with the notation "helping hand". You can make a check out to the PPD IBPO with the same notation and every penny will go to help the cause. Gift cards are wonderful and can be from anywhere. A gas card may help a parent get to work one week and relieve a little stress and they may be able to help the family. McDonald's or Dunkin Donuts cards are great as something we take for granted that could be a special day for a family. Teens love Old Navy and Kohl's to be able to get that new outfit on their own. Grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, anything and everything local and national can help.

If you know a family, a couple, an individual, or even yourself  that we may not know about or are too proud to say please let me know and I will assure you help will arrive from the many angels and partners. Nobody will be forgotten with your help. Last year there were well over 100+ families and I know there are more!

The feeling of seeing a mom cry with joy because life is a bit easier is one I will never forget. Helping our community is such an honor and I hope you can find it in your heart to help however you can whether it be through us or another organization. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at sesullivan@portsmouthri.com or call me at the station at 683-0300 ext. 109. If you need to mail anything the address is 2270 East Main Rd. Portsmouth RI 02871. I know it is early in the season but we need to start now to help as many people as possible. Thanks for reading and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!