Chief Press Foundation
For more than two decades, Chief Charles Press has worked to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and underserved communities. During his tenure as Chief of Police in Key Biscayne, he founded the Chief Press Foundation at the Key Biscayne Community Foundation in 2004 to bring joy and relief to children and seniors in Liberty City. What began with holiday toy drives for children and turkey distributions for seniors has since evolved into a series of impactful programs that provide year-round support, opportunities, and connections.
Today, as Chief of Police for the Town of Surfside, Chief Press continues to grow that vision. The Chief Press Foundation is now expanding its reach beyond Liberty City to serve communities across southern Miami-Dade, including Homestead, Florida City, and unincorporated South Dade neighborhoods.
Signature events such as “Christmas in July” and “Liberty City Tennis and Golf Day” illustrate the Foundation’s approach: pairing meaningful support with new opportunities. At Christmas in July, families are invited to Key Biscayne for a day of food, activities, and celebration, culminating with children receiving new school uniforms, shoes, and supplies. The Tennis and Golf Day introduces children to sports rarely accessible in their neighborhoods, complete with equipment to continue learning and playing long after the event. These programs—and their expansion into South Dade—are designed to meet immediate needs while inspiring broader possibilities.
The Village of Key Biscayne furthered this mission in 2013 by establishing a Sister City partnership with Liberty City in collaboration with the Miami Children’s Initiative. This groundbreaking effort brought together one of South Florida’s most affluent communities with one of its most economically challenged, fostering cultural exchange, mutual learning, and shared commitment to better outcomes for children and families.
Reflecting on his work, Chief Press shared:
“The hardest part of the toy giveaway is looking into the eyes of the children, many of whom carry a ‘1,000-yard stare’ that comes from living with fear and helplessness. Most have never had a chance to break the cycle of poverty. Cops are often a constant in their lives—but usually not in a positive way. If I can reach just five percent of those kids and help them see police officers in a different light, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful. Building those relationships makes our officers safer, and it helps residents feel seen and supported.”
He continued:
“The seniors, too, have endured tremendous hardship, yet they show gratitude in ways that are deeply moving—smiling, crying, and giving thanks in ways that touch everyone who witnesses it. Each time I bring someone new from our Village, they describe the experience as life-changing. Offering this kind of ‘holiday relief’ keeps me grounded, reminds me of what truly matters, and makes me grateful for my own blessings.”
As the Foundation expands into South Dade, its mission remains clear: to bridge divides, build trust, and create opportunities that transform lives—one child, one family, and one community at a time.