Santa Claus and the Grinch helped give Christmas to over 500 families in need this holiday season through a Meal and Toy Drive hosted by the Chula Vista Police Department.
The Meal and Toy drive began at 7 a.m at Walmart located at 1150 Broadway in Chula Vista. Children received toys and 25 children were able to select a high-priced item like a brand-new bicycle, scooter, or skateboard.
South Bay families in need received meals and toys through this event hosted by the CVPD in partnership with local sponsors and community support. Families with a voucher were prioritized since they had been identified by local schools and local non-profit organizations to attend the event. With a voucher, families were able to grab food and even a Christmas tree for the holidays.
“This is the culture of the Chula Vista Police Department to really lift up our community especially during the holidays and help people that may not have an opportunity to have toys for their children, a Christmas tree, or food for their holiday meals so it makes us feel good to be able to do this,” CVPD Chief of Police Roxana Kennedy publicly said.
Community members without a voucher ticket were also able to receive a meal on a first-come-first-serve basis in the non-voucher ticket line until supplies last.
All families and community members in attendance met Marvel superhero characters, players from The San Diego Strike Force, a professional arena football team, who participated along with Chief Kennedy by handing out meals to families. A live performance by Mariachi Torres will take place at the event.
“It's been a tough time especially in the last couple of years and to see the community come together. This isn't just the police department, these are members of the community that have come together through a toy drive,” Kennedy said.
According to Kennedy, these types of events showcase the amazing men and women of the Chula Vista Police Department who go above and beyond daily to make a positive difference in our community by embracing the true meaning of the holidays.
“It’s really a part of our culture. Officers get an opportunity to fill their cars with toys on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day to give when they go on calls or they see someone in need in the community. We call it the heart behind the badge to really lift people up during the holidays,” Kennedy said.
