Happy Holidays & Hartford Police Give Toys to Kids

December 24, 2024

From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to say Merry Christmas and to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special.

Looking ahead to the new year, I am excited for all that we will accomplish together. It is my sincere honor to represent you and work on issues that matter to our community and Connecticut.

Speaking of the holidays, Hartford Police delivered some warmth and happiness this past weekend. I'll let you know how they brought a smile to children and families in need.

Unfortunately, the holiday season also attracts package thieves. I'll provide a breakdown on how to prevent those criminals from becoming a real-life Grinch.

Finally, the legislative session is only a few weeks away, and time is running out to send me your ideas for new laws. Please keep scrolling to find out why it's so important to be involved in the democratic process!

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Police Deliver Holiday Joy at Toy Giveaway
  • Warding Off Package Thieves
  • Opportunity to Offer Ideas for Bills
  • Check out Glow Hartford!
 
Police Deliver Holiday Joy at Toy Giveaway
The Hartford Police Department spread some holiday cheer by hosting a heartwarming toy giveaway last week at Park Street Library. Officers brightened the season for children and families in need by handing out gifts, which brought happiness and big smiles!
The Hartford Police Department’s initiative showcased its commitment to fostering positive relationships with the community, going beyond their call of duty to create a memorable and magical moment for our children. Parents expressed their gratitude by sharing how much this amazing event meant to them, especially during a time when financial hardship can overshadow the magic of the holidays.
I would like to thank the entire Hartford Police Department and the following members for showing tremendous compassion and bringing people together during the holidays:
  • Lt. Marisol Rodriguez-Vélez
  • Sgt. Jonathan Youens
  • Ofc. Joel Otero
  • Ofc. Nicole Woodruff
  • Ofc. Victor Marquez
  • Ofc. Dave Anderson
  • Ofc. Miguel Varela
I am also grateful for Cecilia Zygmont, who made sure the library was open for Saturday's event. Thank you for bringing holiday cheer to the kids!
 
Warding Off Package Thieves

While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who can dampen the mood. With online shopping becoming more prevalent, package thieves, better known as porch pirates, have more opportunities to swipe deliveries.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB), citing a Security.org study, said package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year.

Here are some ways, courtesy of the BBB, to discourage porch pirates:

  • Don’t leave unattended packages.

Try to schedule a delivery when you know you will be home. If you aren't going to be home, ask a trusted neighbor if they mind holding on to packages. Also, some retailers offer garage delivery.

  • Ship to store, storefront or post office box.

Consider shipping to a retailer with a physical location near your home or, if you have one, ship to a post office box that accepts packages.

  • Use a security camera.

Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.

  • Require a signature. 

Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package but be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.

  • Opt-in to notifications

Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop.
If you fear your package being stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on your delivery service, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses.

 
Opportunity to Offer Ideas for Bills
The legislative session is just around the corner, starting on January 8, and now is the perfect time to share your ideas for laws that can make a real difference in our community. Please contact me now at James.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov with ideas on any topic including education, energy costs, health care, housing, public safety, or another issue you care deeply about.
Your input helps shape our priorities for the upcoming session and represents an opportunity to have your voice heard! We can work collaboratively toward crafting solutions that improve lives and strengthen our community.
 
Check Out Glow Hartford!

Celebrate the holiday season under the twinkle of a million lights at Glow Hartford! This magical event is taking place at the Connecticut Convention Center through December 29.

Enjoy interactive light gardens, illuminated structures, seasonal food and drinks, family-friendly activities, a festive holiday market and daily live entertainment.

CLICK HERE to get your tickets. Please be advised that the exhibit takes about two hours to walk through. Doors will remain open until one hour before the show closes.