Hickory Police Launch 2025 Cops for Tots; Donations Needed Now!

UPDATE: The Hickory Police Department has officially launched its annual Cops for Tots event, calling on the community to support children in need this holiday season. Applications for the 2025 Cops for Tots Wish House are currently open, allowing families to receive much-needed toys and gifts.

Starting from December 10 to December 12, 2025, the Wish House will operate at the Hickory Police Training Annex. Two sessions are scheduled daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., aiming to distribute joy to local children aged birth to 13 years old. This initiative has expanded significantly since its inception in the 1980s when it served just twelve families, showcasing the community’s growing commitment to helping those in need.

Parents and guardians residing in Catawba, Burke, Alexander, or Caldwell Counties can apply online or in-person, with Spanish applications available. Eligibility requirements include presenting a current government-issued photo ID along with either a Medicaid card or a birth certificate for each child. Notably, families already receiving services from the Christmas Bureau in 2025 are not eligible for this program.

The Hickory Police Department is also urging residents to contribute to this cause by donating new, unwrapped toys. Collection boxes are set up at the Hickory Police Department, and monetary donations can be mailed directly, with all proceeds going directly to the Christmas Wish House and related programs.

“Our goal is to ensure every child in our community has a brighter holiday,” a police spokesperson stated. This event not only highlights community involvement but also strengthens the police department’s relationship with local residents.

For further inquiries or to learn how to help, individuals can contact the police department via the designated extension for the Cops for Tots program or check the city’s website for full details and application forms. The HPD invites everyone to join in spreading holiday cheer and making a meaningful difference for children in the area.

Don’t miss this chance to uplift your community—apply today or drop off your donations! Your support can truly change lives this holiday season.