Marion Police Department to host annual toy drive, receives donation for toys

Toys are loaded and packed in different storage units for the Marion Police Department’s annual Christmas Toy Drive. Last year, the department distributed more than 3,000 toys and are looking forward to giving away more this year due to COVID-19.

“We know a lot of people are now struggling because of COVID-19 and we’ve always done this just to help out our community, but this year we know people need this a lot more and we’re feeling really good about this,” said Marion Police Department, Chief Randall Davis.

The MUNA Federal Credit Union stopped by town hall today to present the police department with a $1,000 donation along with some toys for the giveaway.

“MUNA Federal Credit Union partners with Marion a couple of times a year to do different projects so this year we did help with the toy drive,” said Collection Officer of MUNA Federal Credit Union Morgan Cooper. “There’s a lot of people that have lost jobs, a lot of families that are struggling. With the toy drive, it does give the kids who wouldn’t have a Christmas, a Christmas.”

Chief Davis says they are not sure how many toys they’ve collected, but they are looking forward to collecting more thanks to the donation. This year’s giveaway will also feature some raffles.

“We want parents to bring the kids and let the kids get that feel of Christmas,” said Davis. “We have a lot of good toys and we’re going to raffle off some big ticket items--basketball goals, hockey tables and even a TV.”

Toys will not only be distributed to children of Marion, but also surrounding areas. Chief Davis says they will be complying with CDC guidelines.

The Marion Police Department Christmas toy giveaway will be this Sunday at the Hamasa Temple Shrine building in Marion. The event will begin at 1:30p.m. and go until toys are gone.