Essex County Cops Give Out Toys, Coats For Annual Donation Drive

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Sheriff’s Office recently spearheaded its annual toy and coat drive for the holidays, reaching out to more than 35 schools, churches, battered women’s shelters and homeless shelters throughout the region.

The drive has been taking place for more than 30 years.

Throughout December, sheriff’s officers, deputies and civilian staff collected new toys and new and like-new coats for distribution to disadvantaged children and their families. This year, they collected new boots too.

“Times are tough for many families, some of whom don’t have the finances available to buy gifts for their children for the holidays, or winter coats for their families,” Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.

“I am grateful for the boundless generosity of the members of our department,” Fontoura said. “Their participation in this meaningful initiative shows just how thoughtful, kind and caring they are about their neighbors.”

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