The Overton County Sheriff’s Department kicking off its annual toy drive, collecting and delivering holiday gifts to families in need.
Chief Deputy Tim Poore said the department notices many children through the year who will not receive gifts during the holiday season. Poore said caring for local families and creating a positive impression of law enforcement is an important part of the drive.
“When, you know, a lot of the parents come and when we deliver the toys and when they pick them up or however it plays out,” Poore said. “Just seeing their faces, you can get the idea of how much of an impact that makes on them.”
Poore said he appreciates this opportunity for the department to show they are apart of the community.
Poore said he appreciates seeing the joyful look on the children’s faces while they receive gifts. Poore said children often receive new clothes through the drive, as the children may not have much clothing.
“You’d be surprised, when they receive new clothes, how receptive they are to that,” Poore said. “I mean their faces just light up. That makes the whole thing worth it.”
Poore said the department accepts gift requests through letters sent to the Overton County Sheriff’s Office. Poore said all letters should state child ages and needs from the drive. Poore said letters must clarify clothing sizes and toy preferences.
“If we don’t already have (what they need) from donations, we purchase it with the money that’s been donated to us for that purpose,” Poore said.
Poore said those donating may drop toys off at any participating location. Poore said the Sheriff’s Office accepts both toy and monetary donations during operating hours.