ASU Police encourage community to give back this holiday season

This holiday season, the Arizona State University community will once again be coming together to give back to those in need with a variety of charity events.

Specifically, the ASU Police Department will be coordinating several opportunities for community members to make a positive impact. Sgt. Daniel Macias will serve as the coordinator of the department's participation this year, and can be contacted at daniel.macias@asu.edu with any questions.

“I strongly believe in what these events do to help bridge the relationships between our department and the community,” said Macias.

2014 Holiday Food and Toy Drive will kick off from 3-5 p.m., Dec. 2, at Palo Verde Beach (between the Palo Verde East and Palo Verde West residential halls) on ASU’s Tempe campus. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Ooh La La Booths, is sponsoring the kick-off event, which will feature a photo booth, a live DJ, inflatable games and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring along canned food items and/or children’s toys, all of which will go toward the ASU Police Department’s annual holiday drive. Donations will be collected through Dec. 18 and can be dropped off in suite 135 in the Fulton Center, as well as the lobby of the ASU Police Department building at 325 E. Apache Blvd. in Tempe. Contact aida.alagic@asu.edu with any questions.

2014 Gift Wrapping Party will take place at noon, Dec. 22. ASU staffers can volunteer to wrap presents for gifts collected during the toy drive. Wrapped toys and food boxes will then be delivered to ASU Police Department-sponsored families in need.

Teen Shop with a Cop (limited availability for 13- to 18-year-olds) will take place at 8:30 a.m., Dec. 14, in Scottsdale. This event is geared toward teens to help recognize them for demonstrated community service and leadership. Deserving teens are paired with officers for a breakfast and shopping spree (up to $150) at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Learn more.

Shop with a Cop (ASU typically sponsors 15 children, ages 7-12) will take place at 6 a.m., Dec. 20, in Scottsdale. Deserving children will be paired with an officer for a breakfast at Chaparral Suites Conference Center. From there, a lighted police escort is provided to Walmart, at 15355 Northsight Blvd., where the children are provided a shopping spree (up to $150). An application form is available here. Applications should be sent to Macias via email, dmacias@asu.edu, or in person at the ASU Police Department front desk.