HOLDEN, Maine — This year marks the second Christmas since Holden police Chief Chris Greeley's passing, but his holiday spirit lives on with the department and community through 25 Days of Kindness.
Several years prior to his death, Greeley hatched an idea to perform 25 acts of kindness in the 25 days leading up to Christmas, with hope that the idea would grow and spread throughout the Holden community and beyond, whether it be buying someone a cup of coffee or handing out toys.
That idea has only grown in the years since it was first sparked, and those left behind have carried on his legacy since his death.
"All of the officers here have just been tools vessels to continue his work," Sgt. Rodney Gerald said. "It's not really our work. We're just continuing his."
Last year, the department received nearly $50,000 in donations, which allowed the agency to do something that isn't typical for holiday drives. The department was able to help people with vehicle payments and rent.
With support from the community, the 25 Days of Kindness campaign has become a year-round endeavor.
“The feeling of helping people making people smile is really fulfilling to me and to us as a police department,” Holden police Chief Eddie Benjamin said.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving this year, the department donated 15 turkeys to a local church congregation, just in time for leaders to give them out to families in need.
"It’s just so exciting that the police department would be so generous in their donations of not just turkey but other funds to support us and our ministry and other people of Holden,” Pastor Drew McLaren of Holden Congressional Church said.
It's a symbol showing that acts of generosity like this one have indeed spread throughout the community.
"It's hard to describe," Gerald said. "It's unlike any police department in the country that we know about."
If you are interested in supporting the 25 Days of Kindness campaign, donations are being accepted at the Holden Police Department or by visiting their website.