By Kristin Boza
In the spirit of the season, Chicago Police Department Officer Carressa Northcross is leading the charge to organize the Snowman’s Ball, benefitting local families in each of the 22nd District’s beats.
The Snowman’s Ball will be held on Sat., Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. in the 22nd District’s community room. Volunteers are needed to decorate, serve food and clean up after the event.
“Volunteers can come the night before [Fri., Dec. 9] to help decorate, which is the fun part. We also need help setting up food tables before the event early Saturday morning,” Northcross said. “We are looking to have Beverly Woods cater the food, along with desserts from Jimmy Jamm’s Sweet Potato Bakery & Pies.”
Besides being treated to lunch at the event, each family in attendance will receive an Essentials Basket.
“All over the world, organizations participate in toy and coat drives. We wanted to do something different here in the 22nd District and give each family other items that they need,” Northcross said. “Each family will receive a heavy-duty roll cart filled with much-needed essentials such as school uniforms and supplies, socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, books, and of course toys. Essential items are often overlooked at this time of year.”
Northcross is looking for donations of gift cards and specific items for the event. “Many families cannot buy certain items on Link cards, even if they have them. These items include laundry detergent and feminine care products, since they are personal care items,” she said. “These items can be purchased at Walgreens or CVS, so a small gift card donation of $10 to $25 is needed to these stores.” Family games, such as Twister, dolls and movie theater gift cards are also requested.
This is the first year that the 22nd District is hosting an event like this. Northcross explained that Beat facilitators were asked to select a school on their beat, then reach out to the principal to identify a student in need. The beat facilitators then spoke with the families to learn about specific individual needs for the Essentials Baskets. “We are very happy with the response and the rapport being built between the principals, parents, participants and the police,” Northcross said.
To donate your time, gift cards or items, contact Officer Northcross, 22nd District CAPS Office, 312-746-0650.
