Monroe showing its Christmas spirit

More than 300 gifts already donated to police toy drive Monroe - In the words of Monroe Det. Jim Frankild, “the gifts are flowing in now, every hour.” As they have for more than 10 years now, residents in the Monroe area are helping to make Christmas a bit more festive for some families down on their luck by providing unwrapped gifts in the Police Department’s annual toy drive. Last year, more than 800 gifts were donated. Earlier this week, Frankild estimated more than 300 gifts had been collected, including new bicycles, stuffed animals, board games, electronic games and books. The drive continues through Christmas Eve. People can drop off the gifts at police headquarters, most any time of day or night. Meanwhile, members of the department also have been contacting families who have requested help in giving their children some additional Christmas cheer to come in to pick up the toys. The department tries to match the toys with children based on their age and need. “Just let people who need gifts know to call us right away so they can come in and get them,” Frankild added. “They need to make an appointment to pick up gifts, but someone is always here.” Toys that are not distributed by Christmas Eve are donated to children who have to spend Christmas in the hospital. The Monroe Police Department telephone number is 782-8644.