Kenekt Announces 26th Annual Tempe Holiday Toy Drive

(Newswire.net — December 4, 2015) Scottsdale, Arizona — The only interaction some children have with the police is frequently not a good one. Usually, it occurs when a relative is being investigated or arrested. Kenekt is working this holiday season with the Tempe Police Department to change the negative way in which some children perceive police officers by collecting new and gently used unwrapped toys and stuffed animals for distribution to at-risk children on Christmas Eve.

“What better way to improve the image children have of the police than by letting them see police officers helping Santa Claus deliver donated toys and five dollar bills to needy families,” said Kenekt co-founder Terry Mickelson. “This is a wonderful way for all of us to give something back to the community in which we live and work.”

Organizers are asking people to buy and donate sporting goods items, dolls and pretty much any toy that does not require batteries. Parents might also consider donating those gently used toys in which their own children have lost interest. Toys and stuffed animals should not be wrapped.
Because this year has been a particularly tough one for poor families living within the community, residents who can afford it are asked to donate as many five dollar bills as they can spare. All money that is collected will be distributed by Santa to families in need.
Donations may be dropped off at the following locations:

• Tempe Police Department Headquarters at 120 E. Fifth Street, Tempe, Arizona
• Tempe Police Department Substation at 1855 E. Apache Boulevard, Tempe, Arizona
• Jewelsmith Jewelry Shop at 1542 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, Arizona

Anyone who cannot get to one of the drop off locations does not have to worry about being unable to participate in bringing the holiday spirit to an at-risk child or to a needy family. Arrangements can be made to have donated items picked up by calling Terry at Kenekt at (480) 556-9752.
The opportunity to participate in bringing holiday cheer to deserving children and families does not end with a donation. Organizers of this 26th annual holiday toy drive are asking everyone to join them on Christmas Eve along with Santa Claus and members of the Tempe Police Department at the Jewelsmith Jewelry Shop to help sort and organize the donated items.

Sorting will begin at 10:30 a.m., so Santa can begin distributing the gifts at 12:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community, and particularly their children, to live and experience the true meaning of the holiday season.

 

For more information on participating in this holiday toy drive, please contact Terry Mickelson at Kenekt at 480-556-9752.