December 21, 2020
By: Tyler Eckel
HAMILTON (MERCER): Hamilton Police Chief James M. Stevens and Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin are happy to report that over 80 boxes of toys have been collected during this years Toys for Tots Drive.
The toys were picked up today by the US Marine Corps, where they will be redistributed to local charity organizations and into the hands of children in need.
Toys for Tots started back in 1947, when a US Marine Corp Forces Reserve, by the name of Major Bill Hendricks founded the program. In 1948, the US Marine Corps adopted the program as their own.
Last year alone, the USMC Toys for Tots program was able to collect and distribute 19 million toys to 73 million children in over 800 communities in the United States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto RIco, and the Virgin Islands.
“The Toys for Tots program has been in existence since 1947. As the Chief of Police, the Hamilton Township Police Division’s Toys for Tots drive is one of the highlights of my year,” said Police Chief Stevens. “These toys truly make a difference in the lives of so many, from the joy they bring not only the children who recieve them, but their parents and loved ones. And for that, I am thankful to the United States Marines and the residents of Hamilton Township who helped to make it all possible,” Chief Stevens continued.
None of this would have been possible without the Hamilton Police Division’s Community Policing Unit, Foley’s Family Market, Route 33 Shoprite, Hamilton Car Wash, Family Fun Hobbies, Brothers Pizza on Route 33, Killarney’s Publick House, Teamsters Local 177, Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters, Dollar Tree, and most importantly, all those who donated gifts.
Chief Stevens and Mayor Martin wish to thank the community for all the generosity during this year’s drive.
Photos provided by Hamilton Police Division