Dearborn's First Responders answered the call to help local families and children to have gifts, food, and other resources this holiday season.

The Dearborn Police held the annual Toys for Tots kickoff event on Monday, Dec. 5, and collected hundreds of toys and cash donations for children and families in the community made possible by the Marines Toys for Tots program, which brings the Christmas spirit into the lives of those in most need.

In addition to this collection event, the Police and Fire Departments teamed up with the Dearborn Goodfellows for the annual newspaper sale; held the 2022 Shop with a Hero event; and joined with Blue Hands United for Autism for fun, sensory-specific activities and holiday cheer, including pictures with Santa.

All events either collected funds, gathered gifts, or gave Police and Fire personnel a chance to spend time with kids with special needs during the holidays.

The Police Department is continuing to collect for Toys for Tots through Thursday, Dec. 14. Anyone can drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the Police Department lobby, 16099 Michigan Ave.

Chief Shahin stated, “This collaboration with our partners Marine Toys for Tots means that more families will have a chance to place a toy under the tree on Christmas day for their families. If there’s one thing I know about Dearborn, it’s that our community always shows up for a good cause.”

Marines Toys for Tots has been helping families for many years. The program collects about 2 million toys a year as part of this initiative. Last year, in Dearborn, the program helped nearly 2,700 kids at Christmas.

More information about the program and online donations can be made at www.toysfortots.org.

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