CCPD to hold ‘Fill the Boat’ toy drive
Picking up an extra toy or two while you’re shopping this weekend might make the holidays a little brighter for a child in need.
The Cape Coral Police Department will be at Walmart on Del Prado Boulevard S for three days collecting donations for their “Fill The Boat” Toy Drive-now in its 12th year helping bring smiles to children in the Cape.
“There are families in Cape Coral that struggle to make ends meet and, with the holidays, we want to make sure that every child gets gifts during the holiday season without the family having to stress more than they already are,” said CCPD spokesperson Master Sgt. Allan Kolak.
Officers will be at Walmart on Friday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. collecting toys alongside a CCPD Marine Unit boat, which will serve as drop-off/collection point.
Nearly 2,000 toys are collected each year to be distributed amongst children in the community whose families may not be able to provide as much as they’d like.
“The Cape Coral Community is always so giving and we hope that this continues in efforts to support those that are struggling to get their children gifts for the holiday season,” said Kolak. “Each year we receive more toys with the immense support from the community.”
The drive is rewarding for the officers and children alike, as CCPD’s finest will hand-deliver these gifts prior to the holiday.
“The officers and volunteers will deliver the toys directly to the home. The officers quickly volunteer to assist due to the great experiences they get from the families. Seeing the joy on their faces is beyond worthwhile,” Kolak said.
CCPD will accept any new, and unwrapped gifts, creating a colorful display on their Marine Unit boat of all the donations that will go toward making a child smile.
“Sporting equipment is always a hit,” said Kolak.
The collection point Walmart is at 1619 Del Prado Boulevard S.
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