CHiP's 2024 Toy Drive: Donations Needed For Lake Elsinore Tradition

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Temecula Valley California Highway Patrol is collecting toy donations for kids of all ages in its annual "CHiPs for Kids" toy drive. Once again, the CHP and Walgreens have partnered to collect toys for less fortunate children.

Community members can drop off any new, unwrapped toy at CHP Offices, or Walgreens stores. The CHiPs for Kids toy collection runs through December 16, so get your donations in. Officers will then distribute toys to the needy, they say.

Donate at the CHP Office in Temecula: 27685 Commerce Center Drive Temecula, or find a nearby Walgreens donation center at:

• 1285 S. MISSION RD, FALLBROOK
• 29910 MURRIETA HOT SPRINGS RD, MURRIETA
• 40420 MURRIETA HOT SPRINGS RD, MURRIETA
• 40663 CALIFORNIA OAKS RD, MURRIETA
• 33060 ANTELOPE RD MURRIETA
• 1101 S SANDERSON AVE, HEMET
• 30251 MURRIETA RD, MENIFEE
• 160 DIAMOND DR, LAKE ELSINORE
• 18296 COLLIER AVE, LAKE ELSINORE

This 38-year tradition began in Los Angeles, according to spokesperson Officer Mike Lassig.

"Back then, a small group of California Highway Patrol officers banded together and decided to help the less fortunate children living in the communities they served," he said in a recent news release. "This popular program has grown tremendously, and now nearly every CHP office in the State participates in helping children in their communities through this program.

According to Lassig, the CHP in the Temecula area has successfully participated in this program for over two decades.

"With the help of compassionate supporters in the communities we serve, our Temecula Area CHP officers have been able to distribute toys to hundreds of less fortunate children in Southwest Riverside County," Lassig said. "Uniformed CHP officers will distribute the donated toys the week prior and up to Christmas. Any assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated. "