Santa’s Helpers Needed for Cops’ Toy Drive

LAKELAND, FL — Santa has recruited the men and women of the Lakeland Police Department to help in with an important mission to put smiles on local kids’ faces this holiday season, but he needs more assistance to get the job done.

That’s why the department has announced the official opening of its Cops for Kids Toy Drive well ahead of the jolly old elf’s planned visit to Lakeland on Dec. 15. The 10th annual drive is designed to help families in need make sure their children enjoy a happy holiday season. Donations of toys are needed for children up to the age of 12.

People who want to lend Santa a hand are asked to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the following locations:

• The Lakeland Police Station, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
• Lakeland libraries, 100 Lake Morton Drive and 1700 N. Florida Ave.
• City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave.
• Lakeland Electric, 501 E. Lemon St.
• Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd.

The Cops for Kids Toy Drive also accepts monetary donations. Checks can be mailed to the police department at 219 N. Massachusetts Ave. Make sure to send donations to the attention of the Crime Prevention Unit and note Cops for Kids on the memo line of any checks or money orders.

Toys collected during the drive will be given to parents during the annual Cops for Kids party set for Dec. 15. Kids who attend will get photos with Santa and a free dinner.

“Over the past 10 years, our Cops for Kids program has helped ease the burden for hundreds of families and allowed thousands of children to have a happy holiday,” said Chief Larry Giddens. “One of the greatest things we can do as a police department is give back to our citizens in need, for whom we take great pride in serving every day.”

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