Annual toy drive collecting toys for local children has served more than 80 families during past four years
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
In the true spirit of the holiday season the Village of Sharon Police Department is again hosting its annual Christmas Toy Drive to benefit area families.
The toy drive, aimed at spreading a little Christmas cheer to local children and their families, is now in its fifth year, according to Police Chief Brad Buchholz.
Last year alone, officers were able to deliver toys to 21 different families, which Buchholz said brings the total to more than 80 families over the past four years.
“The previous four drives have been extremely gratifying,” he said.
The Village of Sharon Police Department is looking for new, unwrapped toy donations to distribute to youth around the village. Near Christmas time, toys will be distributed by Village of Sharon Police Officers.
“There’s nothing better than when you give the gifts to a family and the parents come out and thank us,” Buchholz said. “Some of them cry, thanking us so much because they just didn’t have the means to be able to get toys for the kids that year.
“I know it brings joy to all the officers that are involved with it including myself.”
Buchholz said officers at the police department are people who like to give, not just during their day-to-day operations, but outside of their 9-to-5 jobs as well.
“I know all my officers feel good when they’re able to do something more than just write tickets,” he said. “When you’re making an impact on someone’s life and in this instance, giving a toy to a kid, there’s nothing better than that.”
Toys can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 15 at the Village of Sharon Police Department, 125 Plain St. Officers are also available to pick up toys.
Those who know a family in need or are looking for more information regarding the department’s toy drive are encouraged to call the department at (262) 736-4617.
“Over the past several years, we have received a generous amount of gifts from Sharon residents, as well as from surrounding communities,” Buchholz said. “I’m proud that so many in the village, as well as donations we receive from outside our community, play part in the charity that happens this time of year.
“We ask for your support and donation to help make a child’s holiday even brighter.”
