The Salisbury Police and Fire Departments announced today that police officers and firefighters will spend Friday through Sunday on the roof of Krispy Kreme on West Innes Street for the fourth annual “Up On the Rooftop” toy drive.
Volunteers will withstand the wintry weather to solicit donations for the Toys for Tots Program, sponsored nationally by the Marine Corps Reserve.
The event marks the fourth annual “Up on the Rooftop” toy drive to be conducted at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts by Salisbury’s emergency service teams.
Citizens wishing to support the Toys for Tots cause are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys or monetary gifts to the Krispy Kreme location at 1428 W. Innes St.
The toy drive will commence about 7 a.m. on Friday. Police officers and firefighters will remain “up on the rooftop” until Sunday about 3 p.m.
To help kick off the toy drive and to deliver her personal donation, Mayor Susan Kluttz will join police and firefighters on the Krispy Kreme rooftop at 2 p.m. Friday.
Kluttz, speaking on behalf of the Salisbury City Council states in a press release, “For over 60 years, the Toys for Tots Foundation has brightened the faces of less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy. As families struggle with our nation’s economy and deal with job loss, this toy drive offers the magic of holiday hope and the promise of a new beginning. I sincerely applaud our police officers and firefighters as they exemplify the true spirit of Christmas. Their dedicated efforts continue to provide many treasured memories and help to ensure that each and every child is remembered during the holiday season.”
Following her descent from the rooftop at approximately 2:15 p.m., Mayor Kluttz will provide Toys for Tots Coordinator Arbe Arbelaez with a complimentary haircut.
A former marine, Arbelaez contacted Kluttz earlier this week and asked for her assistance in cutting his hair.
Once clipped, the more than 10-inch long ponytail will be donated to Locks of Love to provide a hair prosthetic for a financially disadvantaged child.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will remain open 24 hours on both Friday and Saturday in support of the toy drive.
Citizens can look for the “hot light” to stay on all night and will receive free doughnut coupons as they stop by to donate to Toys for Tots throughout the weekend.
Santa Claus and The Grinch will visit to encourage citizen donations.
Police Chief Rory Collins said in the release, “Our officers are honored to participate in this toy drive and to help provide the gift of a new toy to local youth. By delivering the message that this community truly cares, our officers hope to deliver a positive impact upon these children. Our ultimate goal is to build confidence and to instill self-assurance so that all children may have the opportunity to develop into productive, compassionate, and accountable citizens.”
Chief Bob Parnell of the Salisbury Fire Department said he is proud of the dedicated support of his firefighters for the fourth straight year.
Parnell adds that citizens of all ages can be a part of the toy drive.
“This event offers an outstanding opportunity for parents to engage their children in the true spirit of giving,” Parnell said. “By allowing children to help select a new toy, puzzle, or game for a donation, the whole family can experience the holiday season together. In turn, Christmas automatically becomes a little brighter for a local child in need.”
Checks can be made payable to the Toys for Tots Foundation.
All monetary donations (including cash, checks and gift cards), will be turned over to the Toys for Tots program for additional toy purchases.
Donations for boys and girls, infant to 12 years, will be collected with 100 percent of all donations supporting area children in need.
Retired Master Police Officer Mark Shue, one of the chief organizers of the event, notes that the outpouring of local support has been outstanding over the past three years.
Rowan County Toys for Tots Coordinator Arbe Arbelaez shares that the Krispy Kreme toy drive produces remarkable support for local youth each year.
Arbelaez said, “Last year, we collected over 2,000 toys and received over $4,000 in monetary donations. As a result, 855 local children received Christmas gifts.
“Although that number is just a portion of those assisted through Toys for Tots, it’s very rewarding to know that the Salisbury-Rowan community stepped up and provided holiday happiness for 855 children in need.”
Arbelaez first began volunteering with Toys for Tots in 1985 while in the Marine Corps.
For more information about local Toys for Tots fundraising events, contact Arbe Arbelaez at 704-244-9675.