Oakland PD collecting for holidays

The Oakland Police Department's Annual Christmas Toy Drive is under way. Now through Dec. 18, the department will be collecting toys at various locations throughout town. Collection boxes currently are set up in the lobbies of the Oakland Police Department, Town Hall, Oakland Avenue Charter School, DG Doughnuts and 7-Eleven.

Residents are asked to consider dropping off a new, unwrapped toy or a gift card to a toy or department store.
“Each year, many residents have generously donated to this cause, and it is greatly appreciated,” Oakland Police Chief Steven Thomas said. “Giving children a chance to enjoy the holiday season is something that we hope to do every year.”
In addition to donations, the Oakland Police Department has also been able to purchase hundreds of toys due to financial contributions.

Those wishing to make a financial donation can do so by Dec. 15. All checks should be made out to the Town of Oakland with “PD Toy Drive” written on the memo line. Cash or checks can be dropped off at the PD or mailed to the Oakland Police Department, P.O. Box 521, Oakland, FL 34760.

With assistance from the faculty, staff and students from the Oakland Avenue Charter School, the department also recently prepared Thanksgiving dinner baskets for area families. Thanks to donations made by residents and local businesses, the department assembled and distributed Thanksgiving dinner baskets complete with turkey, pie and all of the fixings for several families who otherwise might not have been able to enjoy this Thanksgiving Day tradition.