?LANDIS – The Landis Police Department is asking for the community’s help in providing needy families new toys and food for the holidays.
This is the third year for the department’s annual Christmas Cops program.
Organizer Officer Brandon Linn said he’s working with the schools in the South Rowan area for families who have a need.
In 2011, the goal for the toy and food drive was to help 12 families, but organizers were able to help 18 families. The community and local businesses brought in more than 500 toys and 350 cans of food.
The toy collection is for children birth to 18 years old.
Linn asks for a variety of ages when participants are considering buying gifts.
Donated toys should be new and unwrapped. Food items can be dry or canned.
The drop-off boxes have been delivered and donations will be accepted through Dec. 18.
Police Department staffer Kristin Mesimer will wrap the gifts before they are sent to the homes.
Linn said his goal is to bless the families beyond what was given last year.
The drop-off locations are as follows:
• Landis Baptist Church, 110 N. Kimmons St., Landis
• Landis Town Hall, 312 S. Main St., Landis
• South Rowan Public Library, 920 Kimball Road, China Grove
• South Rowan High, 1655 Patterson St., China Grove
• Bank of the Carolinas, 105 N. Main St., Landis
• Advance Auto Parts, 1780 S. Main St., China Grove
• Corner Mart, 2570 U.S. 29, Landis
For more information, contact Officer Brandon Linn at the Landis Police Department, 704-857-2129, extension 413.