SMYRNA, TN - It’s often said that every day should be like Christmas, and in Smyrna, that sentiment feels especially true this time of year. While most people are wrapping gifts and planning family gatherings, the Smyrna Police Department is quietly carrying out a tradition that brings the season’s generosity to families who need it most.

Each holiday season, the department steps in to support children and parents who may face extra challenges while school is out for winter break. Community Services Coordinator Shirley Key works hand‑in‑hand with local schools to understand which families could use a little help and to make sure that support arrives with dignity and care. It’s a partnership built on trust, compassion and a shared belief that no child in Smyrna should go without during the holidays.

The effort is made possible thanks to the generosity of Fraternal Order of Police, Stones River Lodge #89, whose donations and fundraisers fully cover the cost of the program. Officers, their families and community members pitch in year after year, creating a circle of giving that feels as steady as it is heartfelt. Many describe it as one of the most meaningful parts of the season.

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, food deliveries were made to Smyrna Elementary School and Smyrna High School, offering families a bit of breathing room during a time when budgets can feel especially tight. For the officers involved, it’s not just about dropping off boxes — it’s about showing up for neighbors, sharing a moment of kindness and reminding families that their community sees them.

So yes, it would be wonderful if every day were like Christmas. That familiar line carries a quiet wisdom. People usually mean that the spirit we find in December — generosity, patience, noticing one another, slowing down just a little — shouldn’t be packed away with the ornaments. In Smyrna, that spirit shows up in uniforms, in school hallways and in the simple act of delivering food to a family’s doorstep.

It’s a reminder that the best parts of Christmas aren’t tied to a date on the calendar. They’re found in the way a community cares for its own, long after the lights come down.