Santa, Delaware Natural Resources Police Team up for Advance Delivery of Happy Holidays Through Toys For Tots Program

Delaware Natural Resources Police officers and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin welcomed Santa Claus, who arrived by police boat at DNREC’s Indian River Marina bearing toys donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign by the public and DNREC staff. The toys are to be distributed to children across the state whose families might have a difficult time with holiday gift-giving. Toys collected this year by Delaware Natural Resources Police – consisting of Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police, Natural Resources Police Park Rangers and DNRP Environmental Crimes Unit – included 13 bicycles along with toys including sports equipment, science kits, building kits, dolls, stuffed animals and games. All told, Santa’s delivery filled 17 containers and 18 bags. After collecting the donations, Delaware Natural Resources Police took them to local Toys for Tots locations for distribution in time for the holidays. /DNREC photo

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, Joanna.Wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Delaware Natural Resources Police and DNREC Give Santa’s Sleigh a Jump-start on Toys for Tots Campaign

Delaware Natural Resources Police officers and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin (third from right) were joined by special guest Santa Claus at the Delaware Seashore State Park office to box up toys donated by the public and DNREC employees to the US Marine Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. The toys are to be distributed to children across the state whose families might not be able to afford holiday gift-giving. Toys collected by Delaware Natural Resources Police – who consist of Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police, Natural Resources Police Park Rangers and DNRP Environmental Crimes Unit, all operating within DNREC – included bicycles, sports gear, dolls, stuffed animals, games and toy heavy construction equipment. /DNREC photo


Delaware Natural Resources Police Collect Toys as Holiday Gifts for Delaware Children

Santa with Delaware Natural Resources Police K-9 Rosco delivering Toys for Tots. DNREC photo.

 

DNREC Agencies Team Up for Toys for Tots Program

To kick off the holiday season, Delaware Natural Resources Police operating within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control once again are teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to provide toys as gifts for children in local communities.

The Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys suitable for boys and girls of all ages and distributes the toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in communities nationwide. Once more helping spearhead the holiday effort in Delaware are three enforcement agencies from within DNREC: Fish and Wildlife Delaware Natural Resources Police, Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit, and Natural Resources Police Park Rangers.

Toys will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 14 in Kent and Sussex counties and through Wednesday, Dec. 7 in New Castle County. Toys can be taken to the following drop-off locations which host Toys for Tots donation boxes:

  • All Delaware State Park offices statewide, including the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, and the First State National Historical Park in New Castle County, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Delaware Natural Resources Police office in Sussex County at 23530 Campbell Circle, Georgetown, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information – or for the dates and locations of upcoming events where toys also can be donated – contact officers listed below from the three Delaware Natural Resources Police units:

For more information, visit toysfortots.org. To donate toys locally or make local monetary donations online, visit Toys for Tots websites for New Castle, Kent or Sussex counties.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment.  For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov


Historical Affairs programs in December 2022

(DOVER, Del. — Nov. 22, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring seven special programs during the month of December 2022. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/11/01/hca-programs-december-2022.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, December 2022

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
“Hospitality Night.” Holiday program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Other activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5–8 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor created by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Holiday Tour of Lewes. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Who Were the Signers: Delaware’s Ratification Document.” In recognition of Delaware Day, guided tours will focus on the stories of some of the men who signed Delaware’s ratification document 235 years ago. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Knickerbocker Holiday.’ ” Screening of the 1944 film “Knickerbocker Holiday” and a brief presentation by New Castle Court House Site Supervisor, Cindy Snyder, on Peter Stuyvesant. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 6:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. For reservations, email mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov.

Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Concert by Last Chance. Folk music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
“Spirit of Christmas in New Castle.” One of the best preserved Colonial-era towns in America features a day-long series of events including tours of decorated historic homes, re-enactments, programs at museums including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 302-328-3279.

Friday, Dec. 16, 2022
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, historic-site interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Cookbooks became a way for women to pass along their legacy and convey a sense of what was important in their culture, daily lives and, even, weather occurrences and events of the time. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022
Christmas Eve. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022
Christmas Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Dec. 26, 2022
Christmas Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022
New Year’s Eve. All division-administered museums will be open.

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
New Year’s Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
New Year’s Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums of the State of Delaware — the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum — tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through tours, exhibits and special programs, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware’s unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park. Go to the following for a long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

 

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the State’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


Poinsettia Sale to Run Nov. 29-Dec. 22 at Greenhouse on DHSS’ Herman Holloway Campus

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 23, 2021) – The annual holiday in-person sale of poinsettias grown at the greenhouse on the Department of Health and Social Services’ Herman Holloway Campus near New Castle begins Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 22.

The greenhouse is operated by Bright Spot Urban Farm, a program operated by West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington. The Department of Health and Social Services has an agreement with West End to operate the greenhouse and gardens on the Herman Holloway Campus. Proceeds from the sale of the nearly 3,500 poinsettias grown this season will help support youth programs at West End.

Available in red, white, pink and multiple specialty colors, the 6.5-inch pots are $9.50 each or $10 for specialty colors (including Viking Cinnamon, Winter Rose Dark Red, Prestige Maroon, Superba Glitter, Golden Glo, Alpha White and Hot Pink). For orders of more than 25 plants, the price is $8.50 per plant. Plants in the 8.5-inch pots come in red, white and a mix of red and white, and cost $30 each. There is also a smaller 4.5-inch pot (table-top size) for $4.50 each. It comes in red, white, Golden Glo, Cinnamon, Princettia Hot Pink, Princettia Pink and Pure White. Gift tags are also available to purchase for $1 each.

The prices include a foil wrap on the pot. Delivery is a flat fee of $9 within a 20-mile radius of the greenhouse, no matter the number of plants. Orders can be made online using the order form at brightspotfarms.org/shopholidays.

Bright Spot Urban Farm believes in the power of farming to transform people through building confidence and fostering leadership. The program provides paid training in agriculture and horticulture for high school students with the objective to heal and empower young people by rooting farming in an ethic of community service.

“Bright Spot Farms provides hands-on training for New Castle County high school-aged youth throughout the spring, summer and fall growing seasons,” said Ruth Arias, program director at Bright Spot. “Training focuses on agriculture, horticulture and landscaping. A selection of the youth participates in leadership training. The training consists of weekly classes focusing on public speaking, team-building, food insecurity, botany and other topics that will build them up to become future leaders of the program. The youth’s work has supported growing produce this year for over 110 families.”

Students participate in one or more three-month sessions during which they learn about different aspects of production, marketing, and sales in addition to conflict resolution, problem-solving and public speaking. Students selected to continue for a second year receive leadership training and coach and mentor new students in the program.

“We are grateful for the employment training and leadership program for youth that West End Neighborhood House operates on our Herman Holloway Campus,” DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik said. “And we are excited each year to support the sales of flowers, plants, vegetables and poinsettias that the young people grow and harvest. For DHSS, this is the essence of community.”

The greenhouse is on the Herman Holloway Campus, 1901 N. DuPont Highway (U.S. 13) and is open to the public. Follow the signs for the greenhouse. The greenhouse will be open for walk-in sales Nov. 29 to Dec. 22. The hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The greenhouse will be closed on Sundays. Bright Spot accepts cash, check or credit card.

For more information, call 302-255-2993. To place orders online, go to Bright’s Spot website.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.