Former Homeless NYPD Cop Gives Gifts to Children Living in Shelter

— -- This holiday season, NYPD police officer Carlos Ramos is extending a helping hand by organizing a shelter’s toy drive, an inspiration that comes from his experience living in a Manhattan homeless shelter as a youth.

The gifts collected through the drive, will be delivered to the Flushing Family Center in Brooklyn this week. Officer Ramos, 31, told NYPD News, "It really became a burden on my heart. I really could not let go."

Twenty years later and Ramos says he never forgot what it was like to live in the shelter. He opened up to his fellow cops about his living situation as a young boy and officers quickly poured in gifts of LEGO sets, footballs, dolls and more.

In a spirit of giving, where many are left without a warm home to celebrate the holiday season, Ramos hopes his drive will make a difference to the children and families in the shelter. Ramos said, "These gifts are a sign of love, a sin of affection. They say 'Somebody does care for you. It is going to be ok. You are not alone.' A small detail like that goes a long way."

Ramos has been with the NYPD for eight years and currently is assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Unit.

For those who would like to join Ramos and the NYPD in helping the Flushing Family Shelter, gifts can be donated for children ages 1 to 13 years old at the Transit District 3, located at 145 street and Saint Nicholas Avenue, NY, NY.