In an effort to brighten the spirits of children who would otherwise not be enjoying Christmas, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be participating in two different toy drive initiatives. Twice the toy drives means we need help getting twice the gifts for these wonderful children.

Deputies are collecting new, non-gift wrapped toys for Cops Fighting Cancer’s 13th Annual Long Blue Line Toy Drive, benefiting children at Children’s Hospital. Deputies will join more than 250 other law enforcement officers to bring gifts to children who cannot be home for the holidays. This event takes place on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015. More information is available at http://copsfightingcancer.org/the-long-blue-line/.

Deputies will also be participating in the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office FOP Lodge 31 Holiday Toy Drive. On a daily basis, deputies come across a lot of heartbreaking family situations. Many of the situations leave children sad and confused. Giving a child a reason to smile during the holidays may be the only thing we have left to offer. Deputies will wrap these gifts and deliver them on Saturday, Dec. 19. FOP Lodge 31 is a non-profit fraternal law enforcement organization and has served our community since 1990.

If you are able to donate, we have set up a box for each toy drive in our lobby at 13101 East Broncos Parkway. All toys should be new and unwrapped. Toys for the Long Blue Line Toy Drive should be donated by Tuesday, Dec. 15. Toys for the FOP Holiday Toy Drive can be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 17.

Help us make the holiday season bright for children who might otherwise have little to celebrate. Please contact Deputy Brian McKnight at 720-874-3750 or bmcknight@arapahoegov.com with questions or to get information about how to donate cash or gift cards.