Carlsbad and Escondido foundations team up with police for Secret Santa
Local charitable foundations raise thousands to fund surprise gifts distributed by officers during patrols, creating moments of connection and hope
NORTH COUNTY — Two Secret Santa programs are bringing holiday cheer to local communities by connecting police officers with residents.
Launched by the Escondido Community Foundation in 2015, the program was adopted by the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation last year. The initiatives raise funds that officers distribute during patrols to brighten lives during the holiday season, according to Karen Pearson and JR Phillips of CCF.
Pearson chairs the CCF, and this year the nonprofit kicked off its Secret Santa program on Oct. 30 at New Village Arts. So far, CCF members have raised more than $7,400 with a goal of $14,000, she said, including a $2,500 matching donation from board member Carl Pinkard’s company, Aldrich Wealth.
Last year, the CCF membership raised nearly $11,000 in just two weeks. The initiative for both foundations is open to the public with a Nov. 17 deadline to donate, while CPD and EPD will begin disbursing the funds on Dec. 1.
(Donate to the CCF Secret Santa program here or the ECF here.)
“This year we decided to start earlier,” Pearson said. “It’s open to the community and for Carlsbad. It was overwhelming (the reaction) and such positive feedback.”
Once the fundraising drive ends, the money is given to the Carlsbad Police Officers Foundation, which then distributes funds to residents they encounter on the job. The officers interact with many residents, some of whom are going through tough times, so they pass out $100, $200, or more to those in need of a boost, Jencen said, who is also the president of the CPOF.
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