The Columbus Police Department hopes an annual toy drive will receive a final boost before distribution day dawns Dec. 22.
Officers and volunteers will begin giving out toys at 8 a.m. Tuesday to families of more than 200 children registered for the program. Before that, however, CPD Community Officer Rhonda Sanders is appealing to the public to bring more new, unwrapped toys — or monetary donations to purchase them — to the police department at 1501 Main St. Toys may be dropped off any time today, Saturday or Sunday at the department’s east entrance. Items will also be accepted Monday, beginning at 7 a.m., if donors are unable to make drop-offs before then.
The biggest need at present is gifts for older youth, ages 10 to 12.
“I think they would like headphones, small speakers, bead bracelets,” Sanders said, citing examples of items for older boys and girls. Bath or nail care toiletry/beauty kits are additional suggestions Sanders offered for preteen girls.
“These kids are grateful for anything they get,” she said.
The Columbus Municipal School District has again partnered with CPD for the drive. Faculty, staff and students have filled toy receptacles placed in city schools.
CMSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Hickman said, “I think it’s always important to help support our children, and especially during the holidays. I am asking that we all come together as a community and help provide a Christmas for children who otherwise would not have one. Anything helps.”
Distribution day
Toys will be given out Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Columbus Gym, Sandfield Community Center, Sim Scott Community Center and Townsend Community Center to families who signed up in advance. All recipients must live within Columbus city limits.
Also at Sim Scott Community Center at 909 20th St. N., an area will be designated for those who did not register. Any excess toys will be given out beginning at 8 a.m., as long as supplies last.
“If you did not sign up, and if you are in need and you live in the city limits, you can come to Sim Scott,” said Sanders. Families must bring identification and proof of residence, such as a utility bill.
Sanders thanked the school district and community for support, noting that Columbus Mayor Robert Smith and the city council “have been 100 percent behind this effort.”
“And I couldn’t do it without people here like Tameka Smith, Lisa Lang, Dorothy Bluitt, Alice Byars, Sheila Elder, Liz Cheatham and Dean Outlaw,” she said. Sanders also praised Roderick Summerville of the CPD maintenance staff for his assistance with everything from assembling bikes to moving boxes.
“I do the walking and talking,” she said, “but there is no way in the world that I could do this without them.”
For more information, contact Sanders at 662-251-7355.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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