Lowell police officers and Superintendent Greg Hudon stood together with staff from the Lowell Regional Transit Authority as the LRTA made a very significant contribution to the Lowell Police Department's 11th annual toy drive. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1578, the LRTA management team, the Conductors Union, LRTA passengers, and Mill City Santa contributed to the LRTA's effort to support the toy drive. (Courtesy Lowell Police Department)
UPDATE: The holiday spirit surged in Lowell as the community united for the Lowell Police Department’s 11th annual toy drive, achieving a record-breaking 1,500 donations this season. This significant milestone marks the largest collection in the event’s history, reflecting an outpouring of support from residents, local organizations, and businesses.
The drive, which ran throughout December 2023, featured an incredible assortment of new, unwrapped gifts, including dolls, bicycles, board games, clothing, and more. These items will bring joy to countless children and families in Lowell during this festive season. Lowell Public Schools social workers are set to distribute the toys, ensuring they reach those who need them the most.
Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon expressed gratitude in a recent press release, stating, “Our annual toy drive is a bright spot for the department each holiday season. This is our department’s opportunity to give back to the community we serve, and the generosity of our officers and community partners showed through in a big way this year.”
The collaboration of various community partners fueled this record-breaking achievement. Key contributors included the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, the Lowell Police Patrolman’s Union, and the Lowell High School National Honor Society, among others. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority also played a crucial role, collecting a substantial number of toys with assistance from local unions and Mill City Santa.
As the festive season continues, the Lowell Police Department encourages everyone to celebrate this remarkable act of community spirit. The success of this toy drive demonstrates the profound impact of collective efforts during the holidays.
The Lowell Police Department looks forward to making future toy drives even more impactful, and Superintendent Hudon emphasized the importance of community involvement. This year’s success serves as a reminder of the power of giving and the joy it brings to children in need.
Stay tuned for more updates on community initiatives and how you can get involved in spreading holiday cheer. Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social for ongoing coverage and updates.