The Greensboro Police Department (GPD) is getting into the Christmas spirit with Operation Yuletide, which will bring some holiday cheer to good people who are experiencing rough times.

The GPD, partnering with other city departments, businesses and residents, is providing 78 families who have had a rough year with some Christmas cheer.

Throughout the year, GPD employees meet people who have been affected by serious crimes, accidents or some other unfortunate turn of events. People rarely call the police because they are having a particularly good day. In fact, police often interact with people on what they consider the worst day of their life. Operation Yuletide provides a way for these GPD employees to organize and provide gifts of new clothing, toys and household items to families and seniors that they know could use a little help during the holiday season.

The GPD also “adopts” a senior home to deliver holiday cheer and gifts of essential household and hygiene items. Operation Yuletide is one way the GPD lets these families and seniors know that the community cares about them.

Operation Yuletide is a GPD-led program, but other groups and city departments help with the shopping and organizing, providing gifts for 78 families and one senior center is no small undertaking, and working together is a reminder of how strong the community of Greensboro can be in partnership.

The kick-off for Operation Yuletide is Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 14, where police officers, GPD staff and community members will get the deliveries ready and load police patrol cars with gifts. However, out of respect for the families, many of which have been victims of crime or other tragedies in the past year, the actual deliveries are private events.