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Thanks to a combined effort by the Statesville Police Department, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and the entire community, more than 300 children received Christmas gifts in 2019. The Fill the Trailer Toy Drive started three years ago and after a year of hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, it’s back and the organizers hope that the response will be as good, if not better, than in 2019. The starting shot for the Ride falls on Saturday at Pumpkin Fest in downtown Statesville. Statesville Police Officer Chan Austin, who co-ordinates the Fill the Trailer Toy Drive with Sgt. John Galliher, said they will be collecting toys and other items over the next few weeks, with a December 18 deadline. The Fill the Trailer Drive was based on an idea by Assistant Chief David Onley and Captain Anthony Hamby. They spoke to Tonya Reid of Iredell-Statesville Schools and learned that there were more than 100 children who qualified for assistance, and by the time the ride was complete that list grew to more than 300 in the system as a whole Needy children aged 5 to 17, from the homeless to families living in poverty. The goal, Austin said, is to make sure these kids have something for Christmas. He said people will be asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy or fun gift at one of the upcoming Fill the Trailer events, or the gifts can be dropped off at the Statesville Police Department, 330 S. Tradd St. at any time. Some ideas for gifts include board, card, or travel games; sports-related gifts such as footballs, basketballs, or footballs; Handheld or portable electronic games; Manicure sets or hair and nail accessories; Drawing, craft or art supplies kits; or toy cars, action figures, or dolls. Austin stressed that gift cards or cash, clothing, stuffed animals, or groceries cannot be accepted. In addition to the kickoff from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pumpkin Fest, the trailer will also be on view on November 13 and 20 and on December 4 and 11 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Walmart, 1116 Crossroads Drive, or someone will not be able to see the police gifts can be ordered via Amazon and sent contactless to the police. For information, contact Austin at 704-878-3442 or caustin@statesvillenc.net or Galliher at 794-878-2152 or jgalliher@statesvillenc.net.
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https://statesville.com/news/local/statesville-police-teaming-up-with-i-ss-for-fill-the-trailer-toy-drive/article_63af6ba6-3da5-11ec-9e84-cf3aeaee075f.html
