The Glen Rock Police Department, through the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) #110, is running the 32nd annual Toys for Tots toy drive. Collection for the toy drive kicked off on Dec. 5 during the virtual Glen Rock Christmas Tree Lighting. The operation is being run by Sergeant Bryan Scott and Detective Lucas Doney. 

This year’s tree lighting was changed to all virtual just shy of the date due to the rising Covid-19 numbers in the area. For the virtual event, Glen Rock invited families to send in videos of their own tree lightings to put together to make a combined larger video. The virtual tree lighting aired on Glen Rock TV and Youtube at 4:45 p.m. 

Scott stated that the toy drive has taken a big toll due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the annual tree lighting that is usually a big opportunity for toy collection. Officers also couldn’t deploy donation boxes to local businesses and stores per usual. 

The Glen Rock PBA will continue to take wrapped and unwrapped toys, donations, gift cards and books for the toy drive. All gifts must be handed in to the Glen Rock Police Department by Dec. 18. These generous donations can be picked up or dropped off. Contacts are below the article. 

Scott released a statement saying, “Residents of Glen Rock have been extremely generous and the PBA always appreciates their kind gestures and we hope that everyone can find it in their hearts to pay it forward during this pandemic.” 

The Toys for Tots gifts and donations that the Glen Rock Police Department receive will be brought to the Closter Fire Department along with other towns throughout the county and state. At this location the gifts get distributed to multiple places including Valley Hospital and military families. They also go to Tomorrow’s Children Hospital, Sanzari Children’s Hospital, Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey and local children who may have to spend the holidays in the hospital or a local family in need.