From June 5 to July 5, 2024, the Allen Police Department will collaborate with the nonprofit organization Toys for Texans to conduct a toy and book drive aimed at benefiting underprivileged children throughout Texas. The drive welcomes donations of new, unwrapped toys and books, which can be delivered to Allen Police Headquarters at 205 W McDermott Drive.
The specific items requested for donation include toys for children under age 6, beginning reader books, toys for special needs children and general toys and books for ages 1-16. Donations collected during this period will be directed primarily towards special needs children and those receiving care in local hospitals.
Established in 2021, Toys for Texans is a nonprofit committed to ensuring that every child in Texas has access to toys and books. The organization has grown from a group of five students to over 50 dedicated volunteers, striving daily to alleviate child poverty across the state. To date, Toys for Texans has raised $712,278 and served over 10,000 children, although according to its website, 1.7 million children in Texas remain in need.
The organization prides itself on its volunteer-only structure, ensuring that all funds raised go directly to supporting children without any expenditure on salaries.
Founders Carson Sheffield and Piyush Chintalwar conceived the initiative during a casual conversation over video games, which later evolved into discussions with peers in their 7th-period biology class. Since its inception, Toys for Texans has engaged in various community efforts, including donation boxes for local homeless shelters and blood drives for the Red Cross.
For more information on how to contribute to and support this cause, visit the Allen Police Headquarters or contact Toys for Texans directly.
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