By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó The Landis Police Department is collecting new toys and food for families at the holidays.
The department will begin itís second Christmas Cops program, which provides gifts for needy children and Christmas Day meals for their families.
Landis Police Officer Brandon Linn said the department hopes to help more families this year.
Last year, the department set a goal of helping 12 families but was able to assist 16 because of contributions from the community and local businesses that included more than 500 toys and more than 200 canned food products.
Linn hopes residents and businesses will again support the program.
Donated toys should be new and unwrapped. Food items can be dry or canned. The department is also collecting money that will be used to buy toys and food for the families.
Donations of money, toys or food can be made at the Landis Police Department, 136 N. Central Ave. Other drop-off sites for food and toys are:
Landis Town Hall, 312 S. Main St.
Kingís Quick Stop, 100 W. Ryder Ave.
South Rowan Y, 950 Kimball Road, China Grove
South Rowan High School, 1655 Patterson St., China Grove, main office
Bank of the Carolinas, 105 N. Main St.
SunTrust Bank, 600 S. Main St.
Fifth Third Bank, 139 S. Central Ave.
Landis Baptist Church, 110 Kimmons St., ladies prayer room
First Reformed Church of Landis, 210 N. Central Ave.
For more information, or to undergo an assessment be considered for assistance, contact Linn at the Police Department at 704-857-2129.
The items will be delivered on Christmas Day.