Martinsburg
Police Department
Helping to provide a more joyous holiday season for those in need.
During the Christmas Season of 1979 the Martinsburg Police Department introduced a program to assist needy families in providing toys for their children for Christmas. The program was named “TOYS FOR KIDS” and is a public service program to provide a better holiday for children who would otherwise not receive much, if anything. The program is similar to the Marine Corp’s “Toys for Tots” program; however, there is no affiliation between the two. The police department would gather donated toys and then a uniformed officer and Santa Claus would deliver the items in a marked police cruiser to needy families in Martinsburg just before Christmas. Since then the program has grown considerably and now provides items to families throughout the Spring Cove School District. Today, the recipient families are contacted and given a date and time to come to the police department to pick up the items. This change came about due to the large area covered by this program. Over the years many other local police departments have joined in the effort and provided collection points for citizens to drop off donated items.
Several years ago “Operation Warm Blanket” was introduced and is now a part of the “TOYS FOR KIDS” program. New blankets are collected and provided to needy families in the area. A food bank was also added to the program. Blankets are available to the needy throughout the winter season. Food is available all year long if the department has a supply of donations.
The Martinsburg Police Department accepts donations of new toys, new blankets, nonperishable food items and monetary donations throughout the year. A special checking account is open year-round for monetary funds designated solely for this program. Citizens, businesses, local churches and schools have made outstanding donations over the years to make this a very successful program. Approximately two months before Christmas, officers and volunteers begin shopping for toys to add to the toys that have been donated. A list of needy families is obtained from local schools along with private referrals. The items are then sorted and bagged for each family. Two weeks before Christmas we begin inviting families at scheduled times to pick up their items.
The TOYS FOR KIDS program could not exist without the support of citizens like you. This worthwhile program has assisted in giving thousands of children a brighter Christmas, thanks to you. Unforeseen circumstances can strike anyone at anytime and cause financial hardships. This program is designed to help people through those “tough times”. Many thankful recipients have donated items after recovering from those tough times. The children of today are the future of our great country.
Financial hardships have a big impact on our young children. With
your help we can lessen this negative impact and brighten the future for these
children. Knowing that you have played a major role in helping these children
will also brighten your own holiday season. “TOYS FOR KIDS”
accepts donations at any time. Items may be dropped off at the Martinsburg
Police Department during business hours Monday through Friday. If you wish to
make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to “TOYS FOR KIDS”
and
mail to: Martinsburg Police Department
P.O. Box 307
133 East Allegheny Street
Martinsburg, PA 16662
If you have any questions, please feel free to call at any time. Our telephone numbers are:
Office (814) 793-2838
FAX (814) 793-3224
Non-emergency (814) 940-5950
E-Mail Addresses:
or
Help brighten the holidays for the young children.
A sincere “Thank You” to everyone who has helped in making these programs a great success.
Wishing you and yours a very joyous and safe holiday season.
“Committed to serve and protect the citizens of
Martinsburg Borough and Huston Township”
Martinsburg Police Department
P.O. Box 307
133 East Allegheny Street
Martinsburg, PA 16662