This morning, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation kicks off its 14th Annual Operation Santa. Santa along with Chicago Police Officers dressed as Elves will travel to homes of fallen and catastrophically injured Chicago Police Officers.
The motorcade will start this morning at Macy’s on State Street to load their vans full of gifts to deliver along with holiday cheer to 17 families of fallen and severely injured Chicago Police Officers — including the families of Officer Marco DiFranco, Officer Ronald Newman, and Sergeant Cliff Martin. Officers DiFranco and Newman as well as Sgt Martin all passed away earlier this year after contracting Covid-19.
“For 592 Chicago Police Families, the difficulties of 2020 were significant. While we were all home with our loved ones, these families felt the hole in their homes and in their hearts for the loved ones they lost in the line of duty,” said Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Executive Director, Phil Cline. “We are so honored to be able to visit these families, even while remaining socially distant. It is important to remind each of these families that we will never forget them, their loved ones, and their sacrifice to our city.”
Additionally, CPMF will deliver gifts to 7 families, with 13 children, of Chicago Police Officers that are currently deployed with the United States Armed Forces.
Operation Santa could not happen without the incredible support of the Chicago Community. This year’s sponsors, which allowed us to purchase gifts for more than 35 children, include Macy’s, CME Foundation, Choose Chicago, Fasan Florist, Mr. Michael Sweig, Mr. Kevin Shannahan, Wintrust, First Responders Children’s Foundation, and Mr. Marc Schwartz. Additionally, Macy’s will be donating Walnut Room Takeout Meals to each of our families to enjoy (more information below!)
About the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives and memories of our fallen heroes. The Foundation provides support and financial assistance to the families of Chicago Police officers killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Since 2007, the Foundation has provided $14.2 million in assistance to these families. For more information visit cpdmemorial.org
About Walnut Room Takeout Meals:
For the first time in its 113-year history, Macy’s is now offering the beloved tradition of Walnut Room dining with individual and family-style takeout holiday meals. Customers are invited to take photos with the Great Tree while visiting the Walnut Room for their takeout meals now through January 3, 2021. The family-style takeout option serves 4 to 6 people and includes the choice of three meal options for $95: Mrs. Hering’s pot pie dinner, family-style oven baked meatloaf or holiday turkey and gravy. Walnut Room must-have desserts and wines are available as add-ons for an additional cost. The Walnut Room takeout meals will be available from the Walnut Room Wine Bar daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. as well as through GrubHub for delivery to select areas. Customers can order in advance by calling 312-781-3139. Additional details regarding these experiences are available at macyswalnutroom.com.
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/cpd-santa-bring-cheer-to-injured-officers/