Monroe shaping a holiday, one toy at a time

MONROE-People already are stopping in at Monroe Police Headquarters to either drop off a toy for a child or to ask if there might be any for their children this holiday season. The police department's toy drive is one of the things this community does every year that gives Monroe its character. For the last several years residents have contributed between 200 and 300 toys for youngsters they may not know. And just as quickly, the police have made sure that as many little boys and girls are remembered at the holidays. Det. Jim Frankild says he's noticed that more and more people have asked him and his colleagues at the department whether there might be something for their children. "There are just some people who are having a hard time, living pay check to pay check," the detective said. But just as he's seen an increase in the need for the toy drive, Frankild has also seen more and more residents make a donation. "People have been really generous," he said. If someone comes to the police station and requests a toy, he or she won't be asked to prove need. "It's an honor system; we don't ask for someone's W-2," Frankild said. A parent might indicate the ages of his or her children, and when an appropriate gift is dropped off, the police will shortly thereafter notify the parent to come pick it up. That decreases the anxiety of any last minute worries. If there are any leftover gifts, the department delivers them Christmas Eve to the Arden Hill campus of Orange Regional Medical Center in Goshen for children who are hospitalized on Christmas. You can drop off an unwrapped toy at the station now through Dec. 22. For more information, call 782-8644.