The Celina Police Department begins collecting toys for the annual toy drive to help local children in need during the holiday season.
Police Chief Terry Scott said the community contributes in a large way every season. Scott said the department recognizes many residents live on a fixed income, as job scarcity is a problem. Scott said the drive helps the community children and their parents.
“I mean when I was younger times was rough and we didn’t get a lot for Christmas,” Scott said. “And we see a lot of kids that don’t have a lot of stuff doing our job. And we just try to make them have a good Christmas.”
Scott said the locals appreciate the Christmas season, enjoying the holiday as a community. Scott said the children ask for average items like bikes and dolls, nothing large. Scott said the city has a list and requests items that children request. Scott said the department delivers the toys to each house.
“Well, I like that we deliver them, you know, I enjoy that,” Scott said. “You know, we load them all up and take them to them, and they get excited. Them kids lighting up when they get them Christmas presents.”
Scott said mitten trees are a form of sponsorship around the city. Scott said banks and stores have mitten trees with names of children to sponsor inside each mitten.
