Marion Police Spread Holiday Cheer at 16th Annual Toy Drive
Published 1:42 pm Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Families and volunteers at the Marion Police Department's 16th annual Foundation Toy Drive. Photo by JaKarious Landrum
The Marion Police Department held their 16th annual Toy Drive at the Hamasha Temple Shriner
building in Marion, Mississippi. The Marion Police Department Foundation Toy Drive is held every year
on Christmas Eve, as a way for members of the community to give back.
Magnolia Middle School cheerleaders stand in front of their booth at the toy drive. Photo by JaKarious Landrum.
The toy drive was from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and during that time countless parents were
given a chance to make a better Christmas for their children.
Siera Harris, a parent, said, “It really means a lot, and it’s a big help to a lot of families.”
All of the toys were donated by members of the community and local businesses; The gifts were
given out by the volunteers in attendance. The event also served food and drinks for everyone that
walked through the door.
Volunteer Hunter Morgan, the owner of Morgans LLC, said, “It’s good to see the community
come together with so much love for the season, and give all these children something for Christmas.”
According to Morgan, Morgans LLC partnered with Citizens National bank to donate over 300
toys for the drive. He said that it’s their goal to come back and donate more each year than they did the year
before.
The entire building was packed wall to wall with toys, smiling children and loving volunteers.
“It’s my way of giving back. I remember when I used to be on the other side,” said volunteer
Latoya Griggs, the owner of Blessed Babies Daycare in Marion, Mississippi. She and her family were
just a few of the many volunteers eager to help those in need.
Latoya Griggs, owner of Blessed Babies Daycare, stands with her husband, Morris Griggs, and son, Omarion Griggs. Photo by JaKarious Landrum.
Marion Police Chief Randall Davis said that the reason this event is so important isn’t simply to
give children toys, it’s to teach the children about the gift of giving because they are the future. Davis
explained that despite the number of people struggling, there are citizens who are able to invest
and give back to the community.
“As a community leader, the first thing you should want to do is help the community,” said Chief
Davis.
Davis expressed his thanks to those who organized the event, donated toys and their time to
provide area families a much merrier Christmas.
