Salem First Responders Accepting Toys For Tots Donations

SALEM, NH — The Salem Police Department and Salem Fire Department have announced that they will be accepting donations of toys for the charity Toys for Tots through Dec. 15.

Drop boxes are located in the lobby of the Salem PD, 9 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and the Salem Fire Department, 152 Main St. Community members are asked to deliver toys that are not wrapped in wrapping paper.

Officer Brian Lawrence, the Salem PD's community affairs officer, said businesses also can contact the department if they are interested in becoming a drop-off location.

According to Lawrence, the donated toys will be brought to a Toys for Tots distribution center. The items eventually will be sent out to different nonprofits, which will distribute the toys to children in need.

"It is absolutely amazing seeing the support by the community and also the volunteers that ensure these kids have the best holiday they can," Lawrence told Patch. "We have no doubt that the community will step up big again this year.

"We are still feeling the effects of lockdowns and inflation and certain economic issues. So, those who can help, we encourage them to do so by donating new, unwrapped toys, donating monetary funds directly to the Toys for Tots campaign, or even volunteering."

Lawrence said those donating toys should not forget about the older child demographic, ages 10-12.

"I think that when hear about children, kids and toys, we automatically think of toddlers and elementary school aged children. So, just keeping the older kids in mind would be great," Lawrence said.

Toys for Tots is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Since 1947, the program has distributed 627 million toys and supported 281 million children, according to the organization.

Companies interested in having a Toys for Tots drop box can contact Officer Lawrence at blawrence@salemnh.gov.