OCPD NEEDY DRIVE DONATES 75 FOOD BASKETS AND HUNDREDS OF TOYS TO OCEAN CITY FAMILIES

The OCPD Christmas Needy Drive proved to be a blessing to many local families. With a volunteer crew of more than 50 people, Chief Bernadette DiPino and her staff tended to more than 75 families, including more than 150 children, this past Saturday at the Public Safety Building.

The OCPD Christmas Needy Drive was started by Chief DiPino’s grandfather in the

Baltimore Police Department many years ago. The tradition was continued by her father in Baltimore, and later by Chief DiPino in Ocean City. This year is the 15th year for the OCPD Christmas Needy Drive and each year the event has grown.

The OCPD Christmas Needy Drive volunteers not only helped families load toys and boxes of food for the holidays, but also assisted in transportation for some people who otherwise would have had to take the bus. Chief DiPino was very pleased with the event. “Every year I worry about whether or not we will have enough donated toys and food to give the families,” said Chief DiPino. “But every year the Ocean City community comes together to provide for those who are less fortunate.”