CRESTLINE—The Crestline Police and Fire Departments have announced that they will be joining together as the Crestline Safety Forces to hold the 2020 Toy Drive.
The drive is created to support local children and families that otherwise could not experience the happiness that the holiday season brings.
“It is a combined effort to ensure that no child goes without a Christmas gift,” said Crestline Police Chief Jeff Shook in a press release on Wednesday.
He said that the drive is open for any Crestline child in need who is 18 years old or younger.
In addition to the toy drive, the Safety Forces will be taking donations of food items to pass out to families in need as well. Josh Crosswhite from Ed’s Barbershop is assisting with the project and will be asking for any gift or monetary donations.
“We understand that this year has been challenging for small businesses so any help will be greatly appreciated,” Shook and fire chief Stephen Krock said in the joint press release.
To donate items, people can drop off unwrapped items at the police station or fire department and drop-off boxes are available Crestline Village Hall, Menard’s in Ontario or Dollar General in Crestline.
Families in need must complete an application and those will be available through local schools and social service agencies. Applications will also be available for pick-up at the police station and fire department.
All applications must be turned in to the Crestline Police Department on or before Nov. 30.
“We are at the mercy of the number of toys we receive so the families that are selected to receive items will be advised prior to the pick-up date,” said Shook.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, pick-up and delivery of items will be done through a drive-thru service at the Crestline Fire Department at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13.
The toy waiver program will begin on Nov. 1 and run through Dec. 11. The police department is implementing the Holiday Toy Waiver Program which means police officers will be supplied with “toy waivers” to issue to motorists who have made a minor traffic violation.
“Normally, these traffic stops are handled with a verbal warning and it is our hope that you will partner with us to make a child’s Christmas a little brighter. While we would prefer that no one violates any traffic laws, we understand that mistakes happen and it is our wish that we can turn this negative into a positive for our community,” said Shook.
Shook said that as always, serious infractions of the law will be strictly enforced and there is no promise or guarantee that is someone violates even a minor traffic law that a citation will not be issued.
In 2019, the Toy Drive provided gifts to over 75 families in the community.
“We strive to make 2020 just as successful so we humbly ask for your help for this worthy cause to benefit our community,” said Shook.