Donations Sought For Salem Police and Fire's CODE 3 TOY DRIVE

Donations of NEW, unwrapped toys are needed for children from infants to 14 years old.

Toys can be dropped off at many Salem locations.

(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department and the Salem Police Department have combined our "emergency forces" to bring Christmas cheer to more kids than ever in the City of Salem.

This year's combined Code 3 Toy Drive is expected to provide toys to over 1,300 families that would be otherwise unable to have the Merry Christmas that most of us take for granted.

Both agencies have provided toys to hundreds of families in the past, but by combining our efforts, our hope is to reach more children than we ever have before.

The first Salem Toy Drive started in 1986 when police officers and medics responded to the suicide of a young mother. Discovered in her belongings was a Christmas wish list of the young daughter.

A collection was taken by police department employees to fill the list.

This was the beginning of an annual tradition that touched the hearts of many local citizens and continues to have an impact on families in need today.

Donations will be accepted through December 15th.

Toys can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

The Riverfront Carousel, KBZY Radio, Salem Electric, Walery's Pizza, Carol & Company Hair Studio, Chapman Hill Elementary School, Les Schwab Tire Stores (all Salem locations), Washington Mutual Bank (all Salem branches), West Coast Bank (all Salem branches), Umpqua Banks (all Salem branches), Salem Police Department, and the Salem Fire Department (all locations).

Monetary donations can be made payable to "Toy Drive" Salem Police Department, 555 Liberty St SE Room 130, Salem, OR 97301.

If you would like more information about the Code 3 Toy Drive, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (503) 588-6175.

If you know a family in need of assistance during this holiday season, applications can be obtained by calling (503) 932-1535.