Wanted by Troy Police: Donors to Help Residents in Need

The Troy Police Department is again looking for sponsors to help residents in need during the upcoming holiday season. The Troy Police Operation Blue Sleigh, a food and gift drive program, has been operating for 25 years.

“As police officers, we see firsthand how the holidays can be particularly hard for some,” said Chief Frank Nastasi. “This program gives us the opportunity to come together with community partners to help our residents in need.”

Sponsors can contribute by “adopting a family” or making a cash or gift card donation. Recipient families or individuals are provided with holiday gifts and food, delivered via “blue sleigh” by officers and volunteers before Christmas.

Recipients include struggling families and other Troy residents in financial need. Police work with community organizations to identify residents who will benefit from the effort, including children who would otherwise not receive gifts during the holidays.

For the fourth year, Alliance Mobile Health joins the Troy Police Department as a co-sponsor for Operation Blue Sleigh. Faith Lutheran Church joins as a partner for the second year.

Monetary donations can be made in the form of a check made out to Alliance Mobile Health. Checks can be dropped off at the police department, 500 W. Big Beaver Road.

The Department is now matching sponsors and families in need. Those wishing to contribute should contact Officer Greg Pokley, pokleyga@troymi.gov, 248-680-7223, by Nov. 25.

Troy Named a Top City for Retirees

According to ChamberofCommerce.org, Troy made the top 10 list of places for retirees to live.

The site used these criteria to decide which cities made the cut:

• Percentage of the population above 65
• Percentage of retirees in the 65+ population
• Overall Poverty rate
• Percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Median monthly housing costs
• Physicians per 100K population
• Violent crime per 100K population
• Police Officers per 100K population

“Owing to its low crime, great residential neighborhoods, and quirky local character, Troy is one of the ten best U.S. cities to retire in the United States, and the top retirement destination in the Great Lakes region,” according to ChamberofCommerce.org.

See the full story on why Troy was chosen here.

Youth Chess Tournament

Get your strategies in place by Nov. 17 for the Troy Youth Chess Tournament. Hosted at the library from 1 to 5 p.m., this is a rated tournament, open to everyone who has up-to-date USCF and MCA memberships. Players need to be checked in before 1:15 p.m. For more information please email: tyascc.troy@gmail.com.

Winter Wonderland

You’re invited to the 7th Annual Winter Wonderland at City Hall, Troy Public Library and Troy Community Center. Activities are indoor and outdoor, so dress warm and be prepared for a night full of fun for the whole family.

For more information, head to rec.troymi.gov/winterwonderland for full details.

This event is free and open to all!