A coalition to spread holiday cheer that includes local public safety departments and other community-centric entities are teaming up to roll out the Redwood City/San Mateo County “Christmas Toy and Book Drive.”
The annual drive, which sees Santa deliver gifts to kids and families via a police car or fire engine, is appealing for community support to help make the season merry for those in need.
Organizers are currently collecting donations for this year’s Toy and Book Drive in the following forms: Via a monetary donation; putting a new toy or book in one of the toy barrels; providing a corporate sponsorship; or by requesting a collection barrel or two for your business.
Supporters wishing to donate toys and books can find barrels at all Redwood City Fire Stations, the Redwood City Police Department, Woodside Fire Department, San Carlos Fire Department, The Fair Oaks Community Center, the Redwood City CHP Office, associated San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office facilities/buildings and participating local businesses.
Toy and Book Drive organizers said that last year more than 50 local businesses filled approximately 60 donation barrels with about 12,000 toys. “These toys were provided to over 500 families that needed assistance,” they stated on the event page.
Special COVID-19 precautions will be taken this year, including the cancellation of the volunteers’ present wrapping party, in order to protect everyone involved with and impacted by the effort.
To offer a monetary donation, click here and scroll down to the “Donate” tab. To request a toy collection barrel, click here and scroll down to the “Get Involved” tab; fill out the appropriate form and email it to those listed at the bottom. The time period for families to apply to benefit from the Toy and Book Drive has expired.
For more info about the Toy and Book Drive, click here. Questions? Contact Police Officer Leila Velez at (650) 465-3308 or Sergeant Sal Zuno at (650) 599-9107.
The Toy and Book Drive is made possible through the Redwood City Police and Fire Department, Police Activities League and Parks Recreation and Community Services in partnership with The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League, San Carlos Fire Department, Woodside Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Redwood City 330 Squad Club and the CARON Project. The Fair Oaks Community Center and a group of volunteers also contribute greatly to the holiday effort.
Photos courtesy of the Redwood City San Mateo County Toy and Book Drive
