TPD, Tulsa Police Foundation Holding Toy Drive

As people start their holiday shopping, the Tulsa Police Department is asking you to pick up an extra toy that will help kids in crisis.

Families can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at Tulsa's Gathering Place starting at 11:00AM Monday November 30th. 

This toy drive started because an officer responded to a call that broke his heart and that situation has been weighing on him ever since. 

“Hopefully we can give these toys to the officers so that can go ahead and deliver to the citizens," said Officer Edel Rangel.

While responding to a 911 call last Christmas, Officer Rangel went to a disturbance where someone had broken all of the kids' toys and presents in a fit of rage and the mother couldn't afford new toys. 

“When I got there I could just see the looks on those kids' faces. I felt real frustrated that I wasn’t able to do something for them at that time and I told myself that I would never allow that to happen again or allow another officer to have that same feeling," said Officer Rangel.

That's why the Tulsa Police Foundation decided to organize a city-wide toy drive so officers will have toys with them to hand out to kids in crisis situations. 

“It’s also a big blessing to these officers who have had a really hard year. Especially losing two officers of their own. So this is just a way for them to take a deep breath relax and have a little fun and spread a little kindness this holiday," said Danny Mills. 

Danny Mills with the Tulsa Police Foundation said he thought Tulsa's Gathering Place would be a great partner for this event. 

“It’s what we do from a family point-of-view, from a kids point-of-view, and we were so happy that the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Police Foundation did not cancel their toy drive," said Tony Moore, Gathering Place Executive Director.

Toys can be dropped off from starting at 11:00am through 6:00pm on Monday November 30th through December 11th. You can also donate online.