By Corporal Brian Schnell, Public Information Officer

For their 13th  consecutive holiday season, the P.O.A.T. (Police Officer’s Assistance Trust) is collecting donations for the children of officers killed in the line of duty.  “Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children” is the name of the program.  Currently the P.O.A.T. provides holiday gifts to 60 children in Miami Dade County.  These are the surviving children of Officers killed in the line of duty from 14 different Miami-Dade Agencies.

This year the donation drive will begin the day after Thanksgiving, Friday November 27th and run through December 23rd.  Donation tables will be set up at the following Miami Dade County area Malls:

Aventura Mall- 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura, FL
Dadeland Mall- 7535 Dadeland Blvd., Miami, FL
The Falls Shopping Center- 8888 SW 136 St., Miami, FL
Village of Merrick Park- 342 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables, FL
Southland Mall- 20505 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, FL

Officers and civilian personnel from the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department will be volunteering their time at the donation table in the Aventura Mall.  The table will be next to the “Santa Claus” display.  

Over the years the generosity of the community has been the key to the success of this very worthy cause.  Your cash donation, no matter what the amount, can go a long way.  Please join the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, and help give these special kids a holiday to remember!  

To learn more, or make donations online, please visit www.POAT.org.