Going to Escobar's Fireworks? Bring a Toy for Christmas in July

Along with a lawn chair and blanket, make sure to bring a toy and look for the Santa-styled collection bin at the fireworks display at Louis Escobar’s Highland Farms this July 4.

It’s “Christmas in July” in Portsmouth and though this weekend is all about celebrating America’s independence, the effort to help local families during the holidays is a year-round effort for members of the Portsmouth Police Department.

Every year, the department delivers toys and gifts to hundreds of children. Around the holidays, the conference room at the department’s headquarters is overflowing with gifts thanks to generous donations from residents across Aquidneck Island.

Officer Scott “Sully” Sullivan plays an instrumental role running the holiday drive (but he’ll be sure to shrug off the accolades) and this year, he thought it would be a good idea to spread out the collection effort. Instead of a mad rush right before the holidays, why not have “Christmas in July?”

Last year, they collected more than 1,000 gifts. Already, gifts have been coming in and Highland Farm has been offering to serve as a drop-off during Christmas in July.

And they’re teaming up tonight to try to grab as many donations as they can. The thinking is: so many people will be on hand to watch the fireworks. Why not ask a few to pitch in?

Sullivan’s “amazing wife” made two of the collection bins, Sullivan said, one will be at the farm and another will be nearby.

“I have a lot of amazing helpers. Hopefully we can make some donations and keep the mission going bigger and stronger,” he said.

Along with toys, Sullivan is collecting backpacks.

Though it’s a little last-minute, many residents are likely to hit the store this Independence Day before heading out for the fireworks. Think about grabbing a gift, or a backpack while you’re out and help to stuff that bin. It is Christmas in July, after all.

If you can’t get to it this 4th of July, you can reach out to the department by calling 401-683-0300. People can arrange to have gifts picked up.