Coquitlam RCMP's 911 dispatch operators are banding together for the sixth annual 911 We Care Toy Drive.
They'll be collecting toys for Tri-City children and teens whose parents need some help putting gifts under the tree this Christmas.
Gail Conrod, the telecommunications supervisor, said the operators put together the toy drive to give back to the community in a positive way.
"We provide emergency services but we're always dealing with people in crisis," Conrod said. "We just wanted to be a more positive influence in the community.
"We don't get to see people smile - we're just voices on the phone - so this is a chance to put smiles on people's faces."
The group is asking for clean, new, unwrapped toy donations for kids and teens aged two to 17. The toys will be taken to Share Family and Community Services, which will distribute them to needy families.
Donations can be made at the main Coquitlam RCMP detachment next to Coquitlam city hall as well as at community police stations in Coquitlam (560 Clarke Rd. and 1059 Ridgeway Ave.) and Port Coquitlam (3312 Coast Meridian Rd. and 2581 Mary Hill Rd.) until Dec. 12.
Need some gift ideas? Visit www.sharesociety.ca for information.
