Police continue holiday tradition
Greg Risling
COSTA MESA -- It’s become a time-honored tradition at the Police
Department.
For the past 14 years, police officers have teamed up with the
community to provide toys and a meal for needy families.
This year is no different except when you learn that the number of
donations this holiday season increased from last year’s amount.
Come Saturday, when families wait for their handouts at the
department’s West Side substation on 18th Street, more than 1,000 toys
will be distributed to children.
“This is a banner year for us,” said Officer John Smith, who estimated
that the department raised about $3,500 for the event. “The volunteers
who work here said they’ve seen more donations this year than they’ve had
in the past.”
The annual toy and food drive started in 1985 when the department
decided it would play a more active role in community-oriented projects.
Families with children younger than 12 are eligible to receive toys and a
hearty feast that include a five-pound ham, fresh fruit and canned goods.
After civic groups recommend which families would best benefit from the
donations, the department’s police association contacts the recipients.
It seems evident by the amount of toys and food received by the
department that people are showing their true spirit during the holiday
season. Whether the gifts are from elementary school kids donating canned
goods or an elderly woman who likes to make dresses for dolls, families
will have a good amount of donations to pick from.
Kids eager to find the coveted Pokemon toys at the police substation
might be disappointed to learn there will be only one puzzle with the
Japanese cartoon figures. There will be a lot of dolls -- Barbies
included -- as well as action figures from the movie “Toy Story 2.”
No matter the popularity of the toys, officers are more than happy to
help low-income families.
“When you see the kids’ faces light up when they get a toy, that is
the best gift for us,” Smith said. “The drive allows the fortunate people
in the community to help out those who aren’t as fortunate.”
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