A room at the Salem police station is filled with toys for the annual toy drive. (Courtesy/ Salem Police Department)
A room inside the Salem police station is filled with shelves full of Legos, baby Yodas and stuffed animals as well as board games, like Operation.
Those gifts will soon be on their way to Salem kids in need as officers begin delivering them to families on Friday, Dec. 18.
Jennifer Hingston, volunteer coordinator with the Salem Police Department, said the annual toy drive, now in its 34th year, looks a little different during the pandemic.
She said each year there are usually drop sites throughout the city, but this year the police department created a wish list on Amazon.
Hingston said there are still people who have dropped off toys at the station, but most are donating through the online list.
Donations are accepted until Monday, Dec. 21.
Some of the items on the wish list include Uno, a xylophone and a friendship bracelet maker.
Hingston is hoping officers will be able to deliver gifts to about 100 kid this season.
Salem police are working with Marion County parole and probation and the Salem Housing Authority to find kids who could use some holiday cheer.
Hingston said she’s also asked officers to be on the lookout.
Seven kids are getting toys this year after their mother reported that the gifts she bought for her kids were stolen out of her car.
“We’re going to be able to help her out,” Hingston said.
She said plans to leave some gifts at the station for Christmas Day. That way, if officers encounter a child on Christmas, they can grab a toy at the station to give to them.
A room filled with toys at the Salem police station for the annual toy drive. (Courtesy/ Salem Police Department)
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected].
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