Tarrant County is hosting a gift drive to collect “Toys for Tots” ahead of the holiday season.
Tarrant County officials are gathering at Southlake Town Square on December 9, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., to collect donations for “Toys for Tots” – a nonprofit that provides Christmas gifts for children.
Numerous local officials, including County Judge Tim O’Hare, Sheriff Bill Waybourn, and Keller City Councilman Tag Green, are joining forces for the event.
“We want to make this the biggest toy drive Tarrant County has ever seen,” O’Hare posted on Facebook. “All you have to do is drop off an unwrapped, new toy to participate.”
O’Hare said he was “honored” to co-host the event with Green.
“With support from leaders across Tarrant County, this event is all about giving back and celebrating community,” Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office officials posted on Facebook. “Let’s fill the sleigh together!”
Attendees can drop off new, unwrapped toys to “make the season brighter for local children,” according to sheriff’s office officials. According to O’Hare, they can also enjoy holiday treats and music from the Southlake Community Band from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation was founded in 1991 to help the Marine Corps deliver Christmas gifts to children facing economic disadvantages, according to its website. The group hopes to “play an active role in the development of one of our Nation’s most valuable resources – our children.”
The Potter’s House of Fort Worth is hosting another toy drive – “Sharing Christmas Joy” – on December 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fair Park Baptist Church held a similar event on December 6.
“We’ve had the pleasure of partnering with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office to bring love, hope, and Christmas cheer to our community,” the church staff posted on Facebook. “This year the impact is growing beyond the walls.”
The Tarrant sheriff’s office promoted the “heartwarming” event, where children can ride The Polar Express, visit Santa, receive toys, and enjoy activities and resources.
Kids up to age 17, who live in Tarrant County, and are “personally affected by the incarceration of a parent or guardian” currently or within the last five years, are eligible to receive toys.
First responders from across Denton County gathered at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford of Lewisville on December 4 to gather toys for Lewisville ISD’s Adopt An Angel Gift Program, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Afterward, processions of police cars and fire trucks lit up surrounding streets.
