The 31st Annual Salem Police Toy Drive starts today with the same commitment and enthusiasm police officers had back in 1986.
"We've already received toy donations," said Support Division Lieutenant Ben Bales who supervises the department's Volunteer Services Section. "The volunteer office is starting to look like Santa Central."
With donations from the public, the toy drive is able to gift toys to approximately 250 families each year. "It's fantastic that after three decades the community joins us in helping to make the holidays brighter for Salem children in need," shared Bales.
Toys should be new and unwrapped for children up to the age of 14 years. Donations of wrapping paper and tape are also needed. Toys will be accepted through December 13.
Each year, the Salem Police Department enlists the assistance of community collaborators, such as Family Building Blocks, Oak Park Community Church, Salem-Keizer School District's Community Outreach Coordinators, and the Community & Partners of East Salem. These organizations generously give of their time to help identify families, sort the toys by age, and wrap all the presents.
Residents can stop by the Salem Police Department at their convenience to make their donation as the lobby is open to public around the clock. However, to make dropping off donations more convenient, the department also connects with local businesses who kindly open their locations as donation collection sites and include:
* Cycle Country, 4764 Portland RD NE
* Dow Pediatric Dentistry, 140 Ramsgate Square S, #110
* Salem Electric, 633 7th ST NW
* White Oak Construction, 2455 River RD S
For more information about donations, please call the Salem Police Volunteer Services Section at 503-588-6499, option 1.
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