History of Santa Clarita Sheriff's Holiday Toy Drive

Toy Drive Information

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station has been involved in the collection of toys during the holidays for the annual Toy Drive for more than 20 years. The collection and the distribution of the toys benefits less fortunate families throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. In the early days, toys were dropped off at the station and sorted and bagged in the parking lot by Deputy Sheriffs, reserves and volunteers. The toys were then delivered by black and white patrol cars to homes that had registered with the Sheriff's Station. More than 350 bags of toys were delivered during the holidays.

In an effort to improve the way toys were distributed, the development of the community wide "Toy Store" concept was established in December 2005. The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's "Toy Store" was unique, in that it offered less fortunate parents the opportunity to be directly involved with "shopping" for their children's toys, rather than just being given a toy. The idea afforded families the opportunity to directly take part in the true holiday spirit of giving. The concept also offered parents the flexibility of choosing an age appropriate toy or gift.

At the final "Toy Store" In December 2009, Santa Clarita Deputies contacted over 450 less fortunate families and provided toys to over 1,250 children in the Santa Clarita Valley. Deputies distributed over 3,500 toys during the three day event. The "Toy Store" was made possible by the tremendous support received from local businesses, schools, and the community as a whole. Annually more than 5,000 toys and gift cards were collected for the event.

Beginning in 2010 the Sheriff's Toy Drive returned to a more traditional role of coordinating the collection of thousands of toys and gifts through the Sheriff's Station and designated sites throughout Santa Clarita. Once collected, the gifts are given to local non-profit entities who distribute them on behalf of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station to those in need throughout the holiday season.

For more information about Donating or Collecting Volunteering

Please Contact:
Deputy Regina Yost
(661) 799-5164
rmyost@lasd.org