Winter Park Police Department is gearing up for an evening of community spirit and giving back with its 2023 Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Public Safety Facility, 500 N. Virginia Ave. The event will be a hybrid of the National Night Out and the department’s holiday food and toy drive.
National Night Out began as a community watch program in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, and crime prevention associations. The first official Night Out event was held in 1984 with the goal of enhancing the relationship between residents and law enforcement, and reinforcing a sense of community by inviting neighbors to gather and enjoy family friendly activities.
Traditionally held in early October, Winter Park’s 2023 Night Out was rescheduled and includes a special holiday connection thanks to a partnership with WPPD’s Helping Others food and toy drive. Attendees are asked to bring donations in the form of non-perishable food items and/or unwrapped toys. Please see the list of suggested contributions, below.
Food donations will go to two local senior community food pantries, and the Winter Park Community Center will distribute collected toys to families in need. And the events and vendors that play such a big role at the National Night Out will be part of the Open House.
“We will have our first entertainment gaming trailer for all attendees to enjoy,” said WPPD Deputy Chief Lisa Suepat in a prepared statement. The assortment of event vendors will include free pet nail trimming provided by Bleu’s Bubbles pet salon, free rabies vaccinations and microchipping by Orange County Animal Services, and free food from community partners Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen and Kona Ice, along with hot dogs and hamburgers courtesy of Winter Park Police Department.
For more information, call the Winter Park Community Policing Division office at 407-599-3312.