Monroe PD's 10th annual toy drive underway

Monroe - Last holiday season, the Monroe Police Department distributed between 800 and 900 gifts to children whose families might otherwise have been a little short on presents. The police - and the community - have been doing this for about 10 years. And each year, said Det. James Frankild, “the amount of gifts that we receive increases. We also received several cash donations which were also given out to local families who fell on hard times. These donations were in addition to the gifts they received and are meant for the families to purchase a holiday dinner for their families. And each year, Frankild added, “there also seems to be more people who need a hand at the holidays. But we are very lucky to have so many people who, year after year, take the time to purchase gifts and drop them off at the police station for children or families that they may never meet.” Last year, bicycles, skate boards, stuffed animals, electronics, board games and books were among the items donated. Frankild said that families who may need gifts for their children should contact the department during the month of December to pick up gifts for their children. Officers try to match gifts to children who may need one. If a parent comes in and there are no age or gender appropriate gifts at the time, an officer will contact them when some come in. Any items not picked up by local families go to area hospitals pediatric wards for children who may have to spend the holidays in the hospital. Any families looking to donate new, unwrapped toys can do so starting now and any families needing toys should call Monroe Police at 782-8644 where information will be taken about the number of children and the sex and age of the children. “We encourage people to come in early,” the detective said, “so they are not stressed about having nothing for their child a day or two before Christmas.” Information about other area toy drives can be found on page 24.