Cerritos Sheriff's Station Collects Toys & Gift Cards for Military Families and Wounded Service Members

As part of the season of giving, the is collecting toys to be delivered to military families at Camp Pendleton.

Toy donations can be dropped off at the station's front desk 24 hours a day, seven days a week until Thursday, Dec. 15, at which time the items will be prepared for delivery to the marine base the following day. The station will continue to collect toys past Dec. 15, however, they will not be sent to Camp Pendleton, according to drive organizers.

Local residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in this holiday collection effort. 

Last year, a local business dropped off three carloads of toys -- a huge boost in this annual holiday effort, said sheriff's Lt. J. Deedrick.

"This is one way the members of the sheriff's department and local businesses can partner with the community to show our gratitude to military families during this Christmas season," the lieutenant said.

In addition to the toys, the station is also accepting donations of gift cards to fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and department stores like and , for the Wounded Warrior program -- a project that honors, empowers and helps service members who have suffered service-connected wounds, injuries, or illnesses on or after Sept. 11, 2001. 

The fast food gift cards will enable wounded personnel in the hospital to eat with visiting family members. Gift cards to stores like Target or Walmart will be used to purchase things like books, CD’s and other things to help the wounded service men and women during their recovery period. Grocery store gift cards will provide help for those that are struggling to put a meal on the table this holiday season, according to the station.

For more information on these collection efforts, call the Cerritos Sheriff's Station at (562) 860-0044 or drop by the station located at 18135 Bloomfield Ave. in Cerritos.