Angel and Rosalyn Garcia accept toy donations in front of Walmart.
Cathy Cook| El Defensor Chieftain

 

The Socorro Police Department and the US Marine Corps are collecting donations of toys for kids ages 0-17 for the 31st annual Toys for Tots.

“We’re here to put a smile on every kids’ face that we can. No matter what their income is, our job is to make sure everybody has a good Christmas,” said Angel Garcia, assistant chief of police.

Over 400 families were served last year, and more than 1,800 toys distributed. In 2020, the police department was not able to collect donations in front of stores, but the Marine Corps supplied many of the toys needed. They also received donations from people in the community.

“I can honestly say our community has always stepped up for Toys for Tots,” said Garcia.

After being involved for 27 years, Garcia has witnessed a cycle of giving.

“Throughout the years, you have those people that we used to give toys to donating toys to us because it helped them at the time.”

The police department will be collecting donations in front of the Socorro Walmart until Dec. 18. Deliveries will start Dec. 21. Some of the deliveries are even made with Santa Claus.

“When you have Santa, the smiles on their faces, you never forget those,” said Garcia.

The deadline for signing up to receive gifts is Dec. 18. To sign up, visit the table in front of Walmart, go to the Socorro police department or sign up online at toysfortots.org under the Socorro region.

Donations can also be made on the Toys for Tots website for Socorro or at the Socorro Police Department.

 

Cathy Cook, Editor, El Defensor Chieftain