Cops For Kids Toy Drive Donation Registration Underway

LAKELAND, FL — The Lakeland Police Department will be accepting applications for the 2022 Cops for Kids Toy Donation program for five select days beginning on Oct. 26. Parents or guardians needing assistance must register at one of the locations listed below, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 26 - Coleman Bush Building, 1104 MLK Jr. Ave.
• Thursday, Oct. 27 – Simpson Park Complex, 1725 MLK Jr. Ave.
• Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Lakeland Police Department, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
• Thursday, Nov. 3 – Lakeland Police Department, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
• Monday, Nov. 7 – Lakeland Police Department, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.

Families registering must bring the following:

• Current Lakeland electric bill (Applicants must have a Lakeland address)
• Photo ID
• Original birth certificate for each child

Registration does not guarantee acceptance, and applicants must not have received assistance from the program for the past two years.

Now in its 16th year, the Cops for Kids toy donation program, with the help of community donors, allows families to provide their children with a happy holiday. Beginning on Monday, Oct. 31, new unwrapped toy donations for children up to 12 years of age can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

• Lakeland Police Station, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
• Lakeland Libraries (Main & Jackson Branch), 100 Lake Morton Drive and 1700 N. Florida Ave.
• City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave.
• Lakeland Electric, 501 E Lemon St.
• Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd.

Monetary donations are also being accepted and can be mailed to:
Att: Crime Prevention Unit
Lakeland Police Department
219 N Massachusetts Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33801

Please note "Cops for Kids" on the memo line of your check or money order.

The deadline for donations is Friday, Dec. 3.

The toys collected will be given to parents at the annual Cops for Kids pick-up party scheduled for December. Kids in attendance will have their photos taken with Santa and enjoy a complimentary dinner.

For additional information about the Cops for Kids program, call 863.834.6912 or email cynthia.sharp@lakelandgov.net.