Redwood City Police Gear Up to Brighten the Holidays for Hundreds of Local Youth

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Hundreds of children in the southern San Mateo County area will have a special Christmas this year, thanks to the efforts of local police, businesses and community members through the annual San Mateo County/Redwood City Toy & Book Drive.

"Public service agencies in San Mateo County have teamed up together to bring smiles to children through the holiday spirit of the Annual San Mateo County/Redwood City Toy Drive," a website created for the event states.

"Redwood City Police and Fire Departments, Police Activities League and Parks Recreation and Community Services working alongside the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, San Carlos Fire, Woodside Fire, Sheriff’s Activities League and the CARON to bring the Holiday Toy and Book Drive and holiday spirit right to the doorstep of many needy families."

Redwood City police tell Patch they have about 80 barrels across town right now for toy and book donations. That's in addition to several they've already collected. (Find a list of donation sites here.)

One major donation came on Friday, from locally-based Zazzle, who donated all of the toys pictured below.

Last year, area businesses managed to fill 100 donation barrels— and collect more than 15,000 toys and books. That ultimately helped an estimated 750 families in Redwood City and San Mateo County.

Another to Help: Wrapping Party

Besides toy donations, the group is looking for community members to head out to a special "wrapping party" this Monday in Redwood City.

That will happen at the Red Morton Community Center located at 1120 Roosevelt Ave. You don't need to sign up beforehand, just show up to help get the gifts wrapped! Wrapping starts at 5 p.m.

If you have any questions about the event, contact Officer Chris Rasmussen at 650-780-7104.