Donate Toys For Hospitalized Children In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA—As Christmas approaches, children are making their wish lists for Santa Claus. In Northern Virginia, some special children won't have to wait until Christmas for some holiday cheer.

The City of Falls Church Sheriff's Office is collecting toys for children in local hospitals leading up to Santa's "Ride for Children." The event has been a longtime tradition for Santa and his elves to collect and deliver toys to these children.

Once again this year, Santa will temporarily trade in his sleigh and reindeer for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and police escort. Local law enforcement including Fairfax County Police, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, Fairfax City Police and the Herndon Police will escort Santa for the toy delivery.

The deliveries will happen Dec. 13 and 14 at INOVA Children's Hospital Child - Life Services Center and the Georgetown Hospital Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Toys not given out during Santa's visit are left with the Child Life programs at each hospital. Those toys are used throughout the year to provide the children something to keep their mind off being in the hospital. Toys will also go to various local charities including Life with Cancer and the Herndon-Reston F.I.S.H. (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help).

Anyone wishing to donate a toy can bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, book, or other gift to donation boxes in the West Wing and East Wing lobbies of Falls Church City Hall (300 Park Avenue). Donation boxes are also at all Fairfax County Police Stations, Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, Fairfax County Print Shop at the Government Center, or the lobbies of the Pennino and Herrity Office Buildings. All donations should be made before Monday, Dec. 11.

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