Nationwide Toy Recall Could Spell Demise Of Arizona Police Toy Drive

Business Leaders and Citizens are asked to help save 20-year-old Police and Fire Holiday gift program

PHOENIX, AZ – After almost two decades and the distribution of nearly two million toys, the W. Steven Martin Police and Fire Toy Drive is facing the loss of close to half of the toys in its inventory as a result of the massive recall of toys manufactured in China. Each December, hundreds of police officers from around the State of Arizona select toys and gifts for at-risk children in their cities and on their beats. Throughout the years, personnel from law enforcement, fire, military, churches, and hospitals have contacted the Toy Drive year-round to help bring smiles to young people in times of need.

“After all these years, I would hate to see this program end on such a bitter note. It would be distressing to run out of toys and still have officers standing in line to help out these Arizona families,” Martin said. “These officers enjoy giving out our toys to children and changing the way young people view the police.”

The Police Toy Drive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, does not have sufficient funds available to order the replacement toys necessary to save the program. Donations of toys or monetary gifts are necessary to see the program through the holiday season. Businesses are encouraged to ask employees to bring toys to company-sponsored holiday parties in lieu of a gift exchange. Toy Drive volunteers will gladly make pick-ups through Christmas Eve.

With the public’s support, 2007 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Police Toy Drive. W. Steven Martin anticipates this will be the year that the program’s 2,000,000th toy will pass through the hands of an officer into the arms of a child.

Tax deductible donations can be made at any Arizona Bank and Trust location in Arizona, Account #461000044 or by sending a check to Police Toy Drive, PO Box 6456, Chandler, AZ 85246.