The Kittanning Police Department stand with enough toys for more than 20 children in nine families in December 2018. The officers plan to do another toy drive this year.
The officers at the Kittanning Police Department had dealt with situations all year long. But last year, they decided to make a difference in the lives of nine families representing over 20 children.
“Each officer adopted a family,” Police Chief Bruce Mathews explained. “The list was made up through several organizations including Children & Youth, HAVIN, or a family that the officer has dealt with throughout the year – someone that could use a little extra help at this time of year to put a smile on a child’s face.”
Mathews said the success of their endeavor last year was in an outpouring of community donations.
“It was a very positive interaction and the officers enjoyed it. The community, in general, with the toys that were donated really reached out. It makes you proud of your community that pulled together and helped give someone a good Christmas.”
The officers have decided to once again adopt a local family and are asking for charity from the public.
“There is a collection box set up in the lobby of the Kittanning Police Department,” Mathews said. “Any new toy can be donated for boy or girl ages one through 16. Those will be collected here through December 18 and then distributed as we get closer to Christmas.”
Mathews said that the important thing to remember is that all donations benefit Kittanning Borough families.
“Everything does stay local for residents of the borough. First and foremost, we want to take care of our own.”
Donations of new toys as well as monetary contributions are accepted daily during regular business hours at the police station at 300 South McKean Street, Kittanning. For more information, call 724-543-1538.