Along with Family Resources, Corporal Kris Mayer has been coordinating the Christmas Toy Drive for over a decade. He says it's gratifying to provide something for kids in domestic violence shelters.
"You get the thank you cards from the kids and the families involved...and those kids are in the at-risk category. You know, unstable environments that they live in, not by their own choice. So the return on the investment is knowing that you made that difference."
Nineteen years ago, the Family Resources office in Davenport was burglarized and all of its toy funds were stolen just a few days before Christmas. The Davenport Police Association and local businesses stepped in to collect money and replace the toys.
The annual Christmas Toy Drive has continued ever since.
"With the nature of our jobs, we tend to deal with, I guess you could say the worst that stuff has to offer. And getting actual feedback occasionally from people that have benefited from it...it just keeps it going, and it's Christmastime. It's part of the Christmas spirit."
The Davenport Police Association will collect toy and monetary donations Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It'll be in front of the JC Penney in the North Park Mall.
They can also drop off donations at Chuck's Tap in Davenport (1726 W 6th Street) from 8 AM until 4 PM on Saturday.
