Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children Program

Calling for volunteers to work the POAT “Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children” collection tables!

The Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children is in full swing. There are 68 children in the program, representing 14 different agencies. We are requesting volunteers to work the POAT collection tables, which will be set-up at the below listed locations.

Collections will be during the evening hours.

We are requesting that any officer who would like to volunteer a few hours of his or her time for this very worthwhile cause, contact:

Aventura Mall – Lt. Dwight Snyder (305) 792-1893 or dsnyder@sibfl.net

Dadeland Mall – Det. Chris Hodges at (786) 258-1239 or crhodges@mdpd.com

The Falls – Sgt. David Greenwell at (305) 471-2506, (305) 970-7214 or dgreenwell@mdpd.com

Village of Merrick Park – Sgt. Vinnie Peterson (305) 283-8905 or vinnieasap@aol.com

Southland Mall – Miami-Dade Off. John McLaughlin (786) 367-6491 or u301793@mdpd.com

Volunteers will hand-out POAT brochures explaining the program and will be collecting donations. If everyone reading this, volunteers for just one night, we will be able to have the tables up and running every evening.

We always fill the weekend days first, as they are the most productive days for generating donations. Let’s all work together to make this a success and help bring a smile to the children’s faces during this holiday season. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Christmas Divider

Click on Button to make a One time Donation to "Holiday Remembrances"

POAT's motto is "Serving Those Who Serve" and as we approach the holiday season, we will refocus our attention to the surviving children of our colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

The holiday season is a time of sharing love and joy with friends and family, and these 68 children who lost a parent in service to our community need some special care.  This is an annual event for the minor children of officers who died in the line of duty or while on active duty serving the citizens of Miami-Dade County. 

We remind these children that the community has not forgotten the sacrifice made by their mother or father.  A holiday package, including gifts and a check from POAT, is delivered to each child.  In 2010, 68 children representing 14 law enforcement agencies are being remembered.

Officers from throughout the county will be manning collection tables and accepting donations during the evening and weekend hours beginning Friday, November 26 through Thursday, December 23, 2010.  Please stop by and support these surviving children as they cope with another holiday without their beloved parent by their side.


Make a donation and pick up a keepsake at the following area malls:
Aventura Mall – 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
Dadeland Mall – 7535 Dadeland Boulevard, Miami
The Falls Shopping Center – 8888 SW 136th Street, Miami
Village of Merrick Park – 342 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables
Southland Mall – 20505 S. Dixie Highway, Miami