11/26/2025
PRESS RELEASE:
Toledo Honors Officer Anthony Dia at 6th Christmas Cruz, Helps Hospitalized Kids and Shelter Pets
Toledo, OH - December 13, 2025 -- The 6th Annual Officer Anthony Dia Christmas Cruz brings the community together to honor and remember Officer Anthony Dia, who lost his life in the line of duty. Organized each year by his widow, Jamie Dia, with their sons, Younges and Maytham, and many caring supporters, the event focuses on kindness, giving, and holiday joy for local children and families.
This year’s gathering begins at 6:00 pm at Crunch Fitness, 4925 Jackman Road (Miracle Mile Shopping Center). Families are invited to enjoy a festive start as children are able to get pictures with Santa, the Grinch, and other Christmas characters. Cookies, donuts, milk, and hot cocoa will be served at no charge to those who attend, and Santa will have special surprises for good boys and girls provided by Professional Roofing Systems and Perry's Painting and Restoration.
Guests are asked to bring new toys for patients at Russell J. Ebeid Children's Hospital and pet supplies for the Toledo Humane Society. These simple gifts help lift spirits for children spending the holidays in the hospital and care for animals in need across the city.
At 7:15 pm, everyone will pause for a moment of silence in honor of Officer Dia. At 7:30 pm, the Christmas Cruz will roll out from the Miracle Mile location with a police es**rt. Several tow trucks and decorated personal vehicles will travel together to circle the Children's Hospital, doing laps to share lights, sound, and cheer with young patients looking out their windows.
Community toy and pet supply collections are underway across the Toledo area leading up to the event. Items gathered will be delivered on December 19 to Russell J. Ebeid Children's Hospital and to the Toledo Humane Society. Collection locations include Bedford Coney Island, Todd's Guns, Love 'n Learn Educational Child Care, Howard's Meats, Crunch Fitness, Whales Tale, The Sandbox, The Spot 419, Dandino's Pizza and More, Spin & Spat Art Studio, The Plant House, AtristicTat2, Whiskey Bean Boutique, Mason Jar Tap & Grill, Collins Accounting & Tax Service, J&J Towing and Service Center, Masserants Feed & Grain, Classy Nail Spa, Sassy nail Spa, Kickstand Saloon, Salon Concepts in Ron's Salon, Lisa Morris, Ohio Liquidation, Luna's Internet Cafe, Moe's, Red's Irish Goodbye, JoJo's Original Pizza and QT Paws.
