Auburn Police host city’s annual Toy Drive
BY HANNAH BEASLEY FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — The Auburn Police Department collected and distributed gifts for hundreds of local children at its 50th annual Toy Drive on Dec. 14 at Dean Road Recreation Center.
The toy drive began in the 1970s, organized by John Dunn and his wife, and was originally named Lee County’s Underprivileged Kids Toy Drive.
Starting last year, Auburn’s Toy Drive became a more efficient and convenient drive-through drop off event.
As donors drove up to the door of the Rec Center on the morning of the drive, they were greeted by police officers who accepted their gifts and carried them inside to be separated by age range. Sixty volunteers helped sort and set up all the toys, which included stuffed animals, matchbox cars, footballs, basketballs, barbies, bicycles, art supplies and much more.
That afternoon, they were picked up by approximately 293 families registered to receive toys for their children, according to Sgt. Heather Dean.
“This year we had a significant increase in the number of children receiving toys,” she said. “Last year, 522 children received toys, and this year, 640 children will receive toys for Christmas.”
While the majority of the toys were donated during the drive-through event, local businesses also contributed to the cause.
“We have lots of help and support from our community,” Dean said. “Some of the businesses that support Auburn’s Toy Drive are Publix on Hamilton Road, Mint Julep, Columbus’s Goodwill and Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. These businesses donated toys and put up posters at their locations to bring awareness of the Toy Drive.”
Toys left over after all families picked out their gifts are donated to local charities for further distribution, according to Dean.
“We are thankful for the outpouring of support from our community,” she said. “Without them, it would not be possible to give families and their children gifts for Christmas.”
OPD brings holiday cheer through ‘Shop With A Cop’ program
CONTRIBUTED BY OPD
OPELIKA — The Opelika Police Department (OPD) hosted its second annual Shop with a Cop event on Thursday, Dec. 19, bringing holiday joy to 60 deserving children.
Students in grades 3 through 11, nominated by Opelika City Schools and selected by a committee, had the opportunity to shop with Opelika police officers and staff members at Target in Tiger Town. Each student was given a $200 budget and officers helped students pick out items for themselves and their family members. Once the shopping was complete, students returned to the department for lunch and activities, while an amazing team of volunteers wrapped their gifts.
“It’s amazing to see the impact this event has on the students and their families,” said Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey. “It’s a chance to build trust and understanding and make the holiday season a little brighter for local families. We can’t thank our community enough for their support, which allows us to host this event.”
The Shop with a Cop program is funded entirely by donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals. This year’s event would not have been possible without the support of Target, Golden State Foods, Opelika Housing Authority, Motorola, Walmart Distribution Center, Stone Martin Builders, The Observer, Christie Hill State Farm, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Ballard Pest Control, LifeGate Church, Gulf States Distributors, Southern Lawns, St. Duns Buns, Lee County Association of Realtors, Bill White State Farm and fundraisers hosted by Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew and Texas Roadhouse. Several businesses donated items to the event, including Grandma Val’s Lemonade, Crumbl Cookies, Coca-Cola, Home Depot and Lowes.
In addition to the shopping spree, each child also received a bag filled with essential hygiene items which were generously provided by Created with Purpose, Premier OB/GYN and community liaisons.
The Shop with a Cop Program is focused on fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. For more information on the program visit www.opelika-al.gov/1035/Shop-with-a-Cop.
