b'CHARITY OF THE MONTH35th Annual W. Steven Martin 911 Toy DriveT he 911 Toy Drive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with an all-volunteer work force.Members of the community can drop off their donations through December 19th at both Cowtown Boots locations, at Napa Auto Parts in Wickenburg, Tolleson, Gila Bend and Buckeye and at the Courtesy Chevrolet receiving center. The Toy Drive accepts new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children 0-15 years of age, and emphasizes the need for gifts for older kids, including things like sports equipment, remote-controlled cars, purses, make-up, craft kits, and gift cards. Donations are needed more than ever this year. The 911 Toy Drive program serves law enforcement, fire, public safety officials, and corrections officers. There is no sign-up for the public; our recipients are selected by public safety personnel based upon any direct contact or law enforcement encounter where needs are discovered. Monetary contributions are used to purchase items needed to fill in donation gaps. The largest need is always gifts for teen and pre-teen boys and girls. This age group is most vulnerable to crime, unrest, and gang activity. An officer at their door with gifts and personal items is an incredible and lifelong positive image that those in need never forget! Gifts are provided throughout the yearnot just at Christmasat no charge to the officer or family to improve the way children, in need or danger, see the men and women in uniforms Over the last 30+ years, more than 6 million gifts have been given away to over a million children through the hands of Police, Fire, and 911 Emergency Services. They have changed young lives and family opinions in positive ways, one house at a time. The toys provide a tiny in-road for officers to show their compassion for the children caught in situations, not of their own making. If you purchase something through Amazon Smile a portion of your purchase will be donated to the toy drive if you designate them as your beneficiary. In the past many civic groups, small businesses and even individual families have supported the WSM 911 Toy Drive by having their members donate toys in lieu of gift exchanges. Other 911 support Programs include Critical Incident Assistance, construction, and maintenance of FallenOfficer Memorials, Fallen Heroes flags for services, roadside crosses honoring officers killed in the line of duty, the Bentley SquadK-9 Therapy Program, Adopt A Highway and National Police Week Support in both Arizona and Washington D.C annually in May.Their work is funded through contributions from businesses and individuals. As you consider your end of year giving please consider joining them in support of the men and women of public safety who serve our communities. 911 Support Programs are part of the W. Steven Martin Police Toy DriveFoundation, Inc., and are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity. For more informationplease go to 911toydrive.com or Facebook/W. Steven Martin ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2020 61'