The Cops Help The Corps

By Laurie Borst

Once again, the Newtown Police Department has teamed up with the United States Marine Corps to provide toys for needy tots. On Saturday morning, December 9, approximately 15 police officers, under the direction of Officer Maryhelen McCarthy, volunteered their time at K-B Toyworks.

The officers estimate that about 1,500 toys were collected. A box truck was filled with toys and a pickup truck was loaded with 14 bicycles. Nick Mazzo, owner of Premiere Flooring in Ridgefield, donated the trucks to haul the loot.

As in years past, an anonymous donor gave $2,500 and 11 bicycles. Newtown police officers got to revert to childhood and go shopping at Toyworks with the funds. They selected ride-on toys, action figures, stuffed animals, and games, among many other items. The $2,500 purchased 288 toys.

Another donor, who apparently wished to remain anonymous, wheeled a cart full of toys out of the store, parked it by the box truck, said, “Merry Christmas,” and went on his way.

Employees of Holmes Fine Gardens came by and went shopping, delivering approximately $500 worth of toys. Officer McCarthy reported seeing many regulars from years past stop by with donations.

“The USMC tells us that our Newtown site is one of the biggest donation points in the state,” said Officer McCarthy. “The toys we collect are distributed in the greater Danbury area.”

For every Marine Reservist in the state, the USMC sets up one collection site.