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Little department to provide big joy with toys for Christmas

DARIEN — Think of it as the little department that could.

The Darien Police Department announced Monday that it's hosting a Christmas toy drive to help kids and families being served by the Walworth County Health and Human Services Department.

That's one very small department helping one very big agency with the hundreds of children it serves every year.

The department is asking for new, unwrapped gifts for kids of all ages, from tots to teens. Cash donations also are welcome.

"Other departments have done this, but this is a first for us," Darien Police Chief Hunter Gilmore said.

Organizers are reaching out to businesses and the surrounding community, hoping for a positive response to the first of what may become an annual event.

"We've already had a good response from the officers in our department," Gilmore said.

The Senior Club in Darien also has donated toys.

The idea for the toy drive came from officer Brian Mair, and he's working with Walworth County social worker Meghan Mahar. Gifts will be given to children and families who are the most in need.

TO HELP

Donations to the Darien Police Department toy drive can be dropped off at Darien Village Hall, 20 N. Wisconsin St., Darien, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or at the Darien Police Department, 24 N. Wisconsin St., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

To arrange for a weekend pickup at the police station, call (262) 882-3432.

Cash donations can be sent to the Darien Police Department, 24 N. Wisconsin St., Darien, WI 53114.

The deadline for donations is Sunday, Dec. 18.