CPD Toy Drive Provides Gifts for Hundreds of Kids

COLUMBUS, Miss.(WCBI)-The gift-giving started bright and early, for children in need this Christmas.

Thursday morning, Columbus Police officers and volunteers, were busy passing out toys to kids in this year’s toy drive.

Eight presents will be given to each child. The toys were collected through organizations, businesses, and residents who wanted to give back.

100 bicycles were also assembled, by volunteers from Mississippi State University, and the Columbus Air Force Base.

Organizers hope the bikes will encourage kids to put down their gadgets, and get outside and play.

“The bikes specifically give them opportunities to move away from those screen times and to get outside and to play,” explained Julie Parker, toy drive organizer. “Physical activity is something our children need more of these days, because not only in our community, but throughout the nation our children have issues with childhood obesity.”

This is the 8th year, the Columbus Police Department has held the toy drive.