FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Norwalk Police Department Partners with Circle of Care to Deliver Unforgettable Holiday Surprise to Families Facing Childhood Cancer
Norwalk, CT | December 18, 2025 — This holiday season, the Norwalk Police Department partnered with Circle of Care for families of children with cancer to deliver an unforgettable holiday experience for two Norwalk families whose children are currently undergoing cancer treatment.
After learning about Circle of Care’s annual holiday gift program, the Norwalk Police Department reached out to ask how they could get involved. Circle of Care understood that the department would help deliver the holiday gifts prepared through its program and contribute a few additional items for the families.
What followed far exceeded their expectations.
Led by Norwalk police officer Jasmine Alvarez, who has a personal connection to childhood cancer, the department came together in an extraordinary way, expanding Circle of Care’s effort on a remarkable scale. Thirteen officers from various departments, including SWAT, Community Policing, the Traffic Unit, a few patrol officers, and even a police dog, escorted Santa himself to deliver gifts to both families. These officers and Circle of Care staff united to provide not only thoughtful surprises, but also essential items and meaningful gifts tailored to each family’s needs and wishes.
What started as a holiday delivery became a powerful display of care and compassion. “Families navigating childhood cancer are carrying so much, far beyond what most people ever see,” says Program Director and Norwalk resident Tammi Small. “This partnership reflects what’s possible when our community comes together with compassion and intention. The Norwalk Police Department didn’t just support our effort. They elevated it in a way that will stay with these families long after the holidays.”
The collaboration underscores Circle of Care’s mission to meet families where they are, from the moment of diagnosis and for as long as they need support, while highlighting the powerful role local partners can play in strengthening the care families receive.
“This experience was very humbling and brought back memories of my own journey,” said Officer Alvarez, who lost her son to cancer in 2017. “This allowed us to help these families as a whole. Circle of Care was there for my son and me. They help the entire family, including the siblings and the parents. Families need a village, and we don’t all have that.”
Circle of Care serves families across Connecticut, Westchester County, and Western Massachusetts, providing practical, emotional, and financial support that helps stabilize life at home while children undergo treatment. Partnerships like this one reflect the shared belief that kids need more than medicine to heal, and that families should never face this journey alone.
Learn more at www.thecircleofcare.org
