Clarinda Police Cheif Keith Brothers says the Clarinda Police Department will begin Operation Blessing 2016, Monday, November 28th. This community project embodies the spirit of Christmas by helping to make sure every child in Clarinda receives a gift on Christmas day. Retired Police Chief Joe Newton and retired 911 Communications Supervisor Diane Newton will be managing the program again this year.

Children may be signed up for involvement in the program by calling the police department records office at 712-542-2194, extension 203, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Administrative Assistant/Records Clerk Tara McComb will take the child’s name, age, sex, address and two gift requests per child. Names of children can be submitted beginning Monday, November 28^th and will be accepted through Wednesday, December 21^st.

Cash donations in c/o of Operation Blessing 2016 can be dropped off at the office of Chief of Police Keith Brothers, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  or mailed to the Clarinda Police Department, 200 South 15th Street, Clarinda, Iowa 51632. Cash donations will be used by the Clarinda Police Department to purchase gifts for the children. If you wish to purchase a specific gift for a child, please contact the Clarinda Police Department and ask to speak with Joe and Diane Newton regarding purchasing a specific requested gift item(s).

Families will be contacted by the Clarinda Police Department when the gift items are ready to be picked up. If a family is unable to pick up the gifts, uniformed officers of the Clarinda Police Department will deliver the gifts.