The Coral Springs Police Department is spearheading a drive to gather unwrapped, brand-new toys for disadvantaged children within the local area. This charitable initiative will run from November 15 to December 15.
Officers from the Coral Springs Police are reaching out to residents for contributions of new toys during this festive season. The recommended donations encompass sports-related toys, action figures, building blocks like Legos, dolls, creative items like Play-Doh, miniature vehicles, and various board games. Donors are kindly reminded to refrain from giving plush toys or second-hand items. Gifts are welcomed for children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers up to 18 years old.
Since 2014, marking a 9-year tradition, the City of Coral Springs has actively engaged in this annual Toy Drive. The recipients of the toys are selected through the combined efforts of School Resource Officers, patrol officers engaging with families during their duties, and Special Victims Unit Detectives. These toys are set to be distributed from December 20th to December 24th, with officers personally delivering the gifts to the children’s residences.
Monica Vargas, the Community Involvement Liaison for the Coral Springs Police Department, highlighted the drive’s purpose: “This initiative is our way of contributing to the less fortunate within the very community we serve. We’re truly grateful for the generosity shown by our citizens and local businesses during the holidays.”
For over two decades, the Police Department managed the Angel Tree program, which involved City employees buying gifts for approximately 50 families each year. To expand their reach and support more local families, the department called upon the community’s spirit of giving, launching their own Toy Drive in 2014. This change has been met with outstanding success, allowing them to bring holiday cheer to hundreds of Coral Springs families.
The toy drive is more than a charity event; it’s an avenue for fostering a sense of camaraderie between the city’s youth and law enforcement. “We’re aware of the perception that officers are only present in tough times,” said Vargas. “This drive offers a chance for young people to witness positive engagements with officers, reinforcing the message that we truly do care.”
Drop off locations are:
Police Department Lobby
2801 Coral Springs Drive
City Hall
9500 W. Sample Road
Gyroville
1750 N. University Drive; Suite 110
Wing Plus Sample Road
9880 West Sample Road
Vicky Bakery
2528 N. University Drive
