This year’s annual toy drive will benefit hospitalized
children
Gilroy – Local law enforcement officials are getting into the holiday spirit by participating in gift drives for needy children and sending Christmas cards to U.S. troops abroad. There’s only one catch – they need your help too.
The California Highway Patrol’s annual toy drive CHiPs for Kids will benefit hospitalized children through the Stork’s Nest non-profit organization.
“We just felt that was a good organization to donate to,” said CHP Officer Chris Armstrong.
The toy drive runs until Dec. 23 and offices will collect new unwrapped presents for the cause. Drop off donations at the CHP office at 740 Renz Lane, or at either the northbound or southbound truck scales off U.S. 101 near Masten Avenue.
Members of the U.S. military will receive civilian rations known as c-rats this holiday season care of Operation Interdependence – a non-profit group that ships the packages to service men and women abroad.
Included within the c-rats are everyday items such as toothpaste, soap, foot powder and other toiletries as well as treats such as candy, granola bars and magazines.
For the holidays Operation Interdependence volunteers are including handwritten holiday cards from home to include in the stockings for service men and women. However, 500 stockings lack the personalized card and the South County’s Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is working to collect the remaining cards before the stockings are shipped overseas.
While supplies last card making materials will be provided at the division’s substation located at 12425 Monterey Road, San Martin. The office welcomes completed cards as well.
Visit the Operation Interdependence web site at www.oidelivers.org for more information on the program and to register as a volunteer.
Contact CHP Officers Chris Armstrong or Josh Clements for more information on CHiPs for Kids at 848-2324 and 848-3078.
