Toy Drive: Bringing Holiday Spirit to Doorsteps of Needy Families

The holiday season is a time of joy, happiness, family, and friendship. Unfortunately, there are local kids and families in need, who don't have the opportunity to share in the spirit of the holidays. 

The Redwood City Police and Fire Departments, Police Activities League, and Parks Recreation and Community Services, have teamed up with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, San Carlos Fire, Woodside Fire, and the CARON Project to bring the Christmas Toy and Book Drive and the holiday spirit right to the doorstep of many needy families. With help from the Fair Oaks Community Center and a corps of volunteers, this annual event has become a welcome tradition in the Redwood City community. But it can only happen with the community's help. 

•Businesses: help by placing donation barrels at their sites 

•Individuals and families: help by donating new, unwrapped toys and books 

•Volunteers: join the fun 'wrapping parties' where everyone takes part in preparing the gifts for the kids, from gift wrapping, to 'quality control,' to helping with food and drinks. Corporate help can be any of the above, or a monetary donation. 

Last year, over 50 local businesses filled 60 donation barrels with over 12,000 toys and books, and provided them to about 500 needy families. Deliveries take place with Santa Claus in a police car or a fire engine arriving at the home to hand out the presents, giving the kids a thrill they'll long remember. One thing that makes this program special is the collection and distribution of new books as well as toys. Each child served receives two gifts, a book, a stuffed animal, and several stocking stuffers, all of which bring that holiday sparkle to their eyes. 

Donations of toys and books may be made at any collection barrel, or at City Hall, the Police Department, the Main Library, or any fire station. Businesses, individuals, or groups wishing to get involved can get more information at www.toydriverwc.com 

Monday, December 16 - Wrapping Party 5PM - 8PM 
Red Morton Community Center 1120 Roosevelt Avenue 

If you are interested in having a toy collection barrel, volunteering, or making a donation to the program, please contact; 

Sergeant Dan Smith, Redwood City Police Department 
650.780.7601 
Dsmith@redwoodcity.org 

Captain Justin Velasquez, Redwood City Fire Department 
650.780.7400 
jvelasquez@redwoodcity.org 

Deputy Pedro Miqueo, 
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office 
650.257.3406 
pmiqueo@smcgov.org 

If you’d like to read more about RWC Police Dept.'s Social Media Program or get connected to  social media pages, visit:http://www.redwoodcity.org/police/SocialMedia.html