SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department has raised approximately 6,300 toys to be donated to low-income children around the city in time for Christmas.
The SFPD worked in conjunction with the office of SF Mayor, Edwin M. Lee, the San Francisco Housing Authority, Walgreens, and numerous public and private partners to increase this year’s toy drive by 150 percent, the police department noted. Over 3,000 toys were donated by Mayor Lee’s office.
“The holiday season is made extra special when we give to those in need. With the generous toy donations from my office, City departments, and private partners, we are able to ensure that thousands of our San Francisco youth will get a gift this Christmas,” said Mayor Lee.
All 60 Walgreens in San Francisco served as a donation center. This is the second year Walgreens participated in the toy drive. Another Planet Entertainment organized several toy drives during concerts at the Bill Graham Auditorium. The NBA basketball team, the Golden State Warriors contributed 300 toys.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the public and our community partners,” said SFPD Interim Police Chief Toney Chaplin. “San Franciscans are generous people and really stepped up to make more toys available to more children this year. Our officers are proud to help bring so many smiles to our city’s youth.”
The toys will be given to children living in low-income housing communities in Family Housing Developments.
On Monday, December 19, officers began to hand out the toys to children. The SFPD will continue to distribute the 6,300 toys until Friday, December 23.
