One of Methuen’s giving trees. (Courtesy photograph.)
A second annual toy drive by Methuen’s police and fire departments is under way for Debbie’s Treasure Chest, a non-profit organization founded by children in Lawrence.
Debbie’s Treasure Chest works with social service agencies across the Merrimack Valley to deliver school supplies, clothing and toys to children in need, according to Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon.
“This is a wonderful organization and we are proud to assist them in their mission to bring joy to children during the holidays,” Solomon said. “We had a successful program last year and we hope to see even more success with the drive this year, especially now that the fire department has joined us for this wonderful cause.”
In 2014, the Methuen police department toy drive fulfilled more than 150 wishes to children in Methuen and across the Merrimack Valley. This year, the departments hope to fill twice as many wishes.
“We are excited to join the police department this year and donate toys for children who are in need,” Methuen Fire Chief J. Timothy Sheehy said. “Every child deserves to have a toy to open for the holidays. We are proud to be able to assist this charity in their mission to bring smiles to children’s faces.”
Giving trees have been set up in the roll call room at the Methuen Police Department and at the central fire station in Methuen with star-shaped tags, each holding one child’s wish for a toy. Members from both departments may select a tag, purchase the toy requested and return the toy to the giving tree.
Residents who wish to participate in the toy drive can drop off new, unwrapped toys to Methuen City Hall, 41 Pleasant St.; Methuen police station lobby, 90 Hampshire St.; Methuen central fire Station, 24 Lowell St.; and Century 21 McLennan & Company, 188 Broadway, Methuen.
Gifts collected through the toy drive will be delivered to Debbie’s Treasure Chest Saturday, Dec. 19.
The Methuen Police Department also collected school supplies and toys at the City of Methuen annual tree lighting ceremony Nov. 29.