The Holden Police Department kicked off another round of 25 Days of Kindness last Friday, marking the first time without their founder, Chief Chris Greeley.
Around six years ago, Chief Greeley started 25 Days of Kindness with a few hundred dollars and a big heart to help the community. He would assist people with things like filling their oil tanks, paying rent, or giving them gifts, shared his wife, Donna Greeley. For the first 25 days of December, the police department would financially support community members.
Even though Chief Greeley unexpectedly passed away in March, the Holden police didn’t let the tradition fade away. This year, they’ve already raised over $20,000 and plan to collect more for 25 Days of Kindness, according to Chief Eddie Benjamin.
Donna Greeley and her son, Cole Greeley, went door-to-door on Friday, delivering boxes of food and $25 gift cards to Hannaford or G&M Family Market. Doing this without Chief Greeley feels a bit strange, Donna Greeley admitted. It was something he deeply believed in and cared about.
“I know how much this meant to him and how much he believed in it and he loved doing it,” Donna Greeley said.
One resident, Fran Wegner of Holden Square Apartments, expressed gratitude for the food donation. Since she can’t visit her family in New Jersey this year, the donation brought her joy.
G&M Family Market collected food donations in a big sleigh at its store and matched all the donations. The Holden Fire Department sold “Chris Greeley End of Watch” bracelets in his memory, raising $7,000 for 25 Days of Kindness.
Holden police have more surprises planned for this year’s 25 Days of Kindness, including helping with heating oil expenses for residents, Chief Benjamin mentioned.
“He is here looking, watching, critiquing, laughing at me, I’m sure,” Donna Greeley said with a laugh about her late husband. “Laughing at all of us. He kept everybody laughing and he made people feel good.”
Now, the town’s “Welcome to Holden” sign on Route 1A proudly reads, “Home of Chris Greeley’s 25 Days of Kindness.”
