Mt. Pleasant police again holding annual toy drive

MT. PLEASANT - The Mt. Pleasant Police Department will be holding its 17th annual toy drive through Dec. 21.

Police Chief Lyle Murray, who helped begin the department's annual event, said this year with the pandemic, there may be more families in need of some Christmas help.

'It's something we've done for quite a while … we try to think of the kids,” he said.

The department is looking for the names of families in need of assistance and will need the name of a parent, address, phone number and names and ages of the children. The department will take toy and cash donations and will have a drop off box in their lobby. Toys will be collected through Dec. 21. The department is looking for toy donations for kids of all ages, from newborn to 17 years old.

The department's administrative assistant Carrie Cooksey-Alvarez, who helps organize the toy drive, said the department works with other local nonprofits including the Fellowship Cup and Community Action to meet the needs of all families in the community.

'I think it's awesome we can help the community and … have people donate and make Christmas great for everyone,” she said.

Murray added seeing appreciative families, sometimes in tears when picking up gifts for their children, makes the event worth it.

'Every year, you run across somebody, a family, that's truly worth it,” he said.

Murray added hosting the toy drive always exhibits the supportiveness of the community.

'I think that's one of the great things about our town - we take care of each other. Those who have a little extra are always willing to give a little extra,” he said.

The toy distribution will be on Dec. 23. Those who wish to sign up or suggest a family can call the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 319-385-1450.