Salem Police Will Begin Their Annual Holiday Toy Drive

The Toy Drive began in December '86 when an officer responded to the scene of a suicide.

Photo courtesy: arrl-al.org

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Salem Police Department is now accepting donations for their annual toy drive. They say you can help make the holidays a little bit brighter for children in the Salem area by donating new, unwrapped toys for children ages infant through 12 years old.

The Salem Police Toy Drive began in December of 1986 when an officer responded to the scene of a suicide. Among the items found in the belongings of the victim was a Christmas wish list written by the young daughter of the victim.

"This deeply affected many members of our agency, and a collection was taken among the employees of the Police Department to fulfill that Christmas list," Lt. Dave Okada with Salem Police said.

"This marked the beginning of the Salem Police Department Toy Drive and it has continued every year since."

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Okada says anybody wishing to make a donation can drop off any NEW, unwrapped toys at the Salem Police Department, Salem Electric, KBZY Radio Station, Salem Senior Center or any branch of Umpqua Bank. Monetary donations can also be sent to the Salem Police Toy Drive, 555 Liberty St SE, Room 130, Salem, Oregon, 97301. Sorry, due to safety and health restrictions, no used toys can be accepted.

For further information regarding the event, please contact Jennifer Graber, Volunteer Services Unit, Salem Police Department at 503-588-6499, extension 7119