Benton County Sheriff’s Office Floored By Results of First Annual Toy Drive

(KNSI) – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is doubling as Toyland this week, swimming in donations made at a pair of events this holiday season.

Sergeant Cora Martin says the first round of Barbies and balls were gathered up just after Thanksgiving at the sheriff’s office in Foley. This past Friday, organizers were in Rice with a SWAT vehicle bursting at the seams with plush dolls and action heroes. The drive is the first of its kind, and Martin says it was a smashing success.

She shares why. “We got a huge turnout, especially in Rice. A lot of people thought it was really good that we’re keeping these toys, at least here in Benton County, that they won’t be going anywhere else. So, that was kind of a huge thing that we kept hearing from everybody that was donating toys.”

They’ll take a full inventory of the donations on Wednesday. This weekend, families on the nice list can expect curbside service. Santa’s sleigh will be equipped with lights and a siren. “We’re going to be having deputies drive to the residence and dropping them off with the parents. I know we’re going to pick at least one or two of the toys to where the deputies can give the kids toys too, just in case of their home.”

Martin says plans are already in the works to bring the toy drive back for a second year.

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