photo gallery
2007
2006
2006 Special Series
Photographer - 5 year old
Brenden Brown
2005
2004
2003
About The Long Beach Police Department's Toy Patrol
Each day, police officers come into contact with economically disadvantaged families. As you can imagine, the holiday season can be difficult on these families who can barely pay for life's necessities, not to mention a little extra for their children during this time of year.
Each December, we conduct an outreach program called "Toy Patrol" which is an opportunity for the Community, businesses and individuals to partner with us in assisting these families. Collection boxes are placed in local businesses, offices, police stations and public libraries. Toys and cash donations are collected during the months of November and December. Officers who come into contact with families during their day to day calls for service, sign them up for the children to receive toys through the Toy Patrol. The children are thrilled to receive toys unexpectedly and the parents are always grateful, many times to the point of tears. It is a very heartwarming experience for all who are involved.
We are only able to do this through the generous support of individuals and businesses who donate to the program. We do not use any City funds to purchase gifts for this program. All families who receive gifts through the Toy Patrol are Long Beach families who officers have come into contact with through their daily duties, many of whom are victims of crime.
If you would like to know more about the Toy Patrol, or if you would like to make a donation, contact the Long Beach Police Department at 562-570-7260.