Holiday Spirit: Toy Drive Brightens Christmas For Children Across Tulsa County

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office is collecting donations to help make children feel special this holiday season through its annual toy drive.

Former Lt. Mike Clancy decided he wanted to help children in the community, so he started a toy drive in 1982. He would dress up as Santa Claus and deliver toys to local families.

Clancy’s vision still lives on today. Four decades later, the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office still comes together each year to continue the tradition.

Casey Roebuck with TCSO said it provided toys to almost 1,000 children and families in Tulsa County last year.

The sheriff’s office also adopts underprivileged families every year and provides items like clothes, shoes, and coats.

“It means so much to these children. We want them to be able to experience the joy of the season. For us, our motto is total commitment to serving others and I think that really shows this time of year. So, we want to do our part to ensure they get to enjoy their Children,” Roebuck said. 

The office also donates to Northwoods Fine Arts Academy and Garfield Elementary. The two schools are in communities with a huge need, so Roebuck said this truly makes the kids happy.

A new Santa delivers the toys to the children just as Clancy did. Roebuck said they hope to continue this tradition for years to come.

"Our goal is to keep the tradition going and show the community that we care about these families and children. And we want to do what we can to make Christmas bright for them,” Roebuck said.

The public can help by dropping off unwrapped toys and children’s clothing through Dec.18 at the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office downtown headquarters. A donation box is in the lobby.

If you would rather donate money, you can write a check to the Tulsa County FOP.