Toys for Tots campaign kicks off in Dearborn
DEARBORN, Mich. (WJBK) - With many metro Detroit families falling on hard times, members of the Dearborn Police Department are working to spread a little hope and a lot of holiday cheer. They're teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps in the annual Toys for Tots campaign
This beautiful story happening in the city of Dearborn. The police chief asked the community to come forth and help with the Toys for Tots and for a few years the effort was dwindling but that was until today when FOX2 viewers like you got involved and it's filling up the lobby of the Dearborn Police station.
"I wanted to help the kids today so I made a cash donation" Cindy Palmery, donating for Toys for Tots.
It people like this that help put smiles on the faces of strangers, kids who until now wouldn't have presents under the Christmas tree. This mountain of gifts is growing this morning because of Police Chief Ronald Haddad. He notice that the pile of toys have been dwindling in recent years so he reached out to the community and with their help and the united states marine corps, toys for toys seem to be coming back in a big way.
"We're asking any citizens that feel compelled to bring us either a toy or cash contribution because there is no shortage of need when it comes to the young people." said Haddad.
"Everyone came together and said yeah, let's do this thing, let's make this work, let's make this a great holiday season." said the Mayor of Dearborn, Jack O'Reilly.
It's enough to make Christmas special for kids all over metro Detroit regardless of religious background. It's a sight that warms the heart around the holidays but the people of Dearborn will tell you it's an everyday phenomena here; Christians and Muslims working together to make their city better.
"This is a very noble cause, nothing beats bringing a smile on a childs face in America or anywhere in the world" said a citizen of Dearborn.
"Make sure every kids dream is answered to get a toy for Christmas this year" said a Dearborn officer.
The explorer program and Dearborn Police are all joining forces with Ford Motor Company to make this a success. Ford the biggest neighbor in Dearborn had to jump in to help.
"It makes us feel good that all the companies and all the people that live in this community want to give back to those who are less fortunate." said John Savona from Ford Motor Company.
Even though Toys for Tots is kicking into high gear today there is still time. They will accept gifts all throughout the weekend at the Dearborn Police station in front lobby that is open around the clock. Drop off your gifts and make a difference in a kids life right here in metro Detroit.