Local sheriff’s offices spread holiday spirit with toy drives

OKTIBBEHA/WEBSTER COUNTIES, Miss. (WCBI) – Sheriffs David Gore and Steve Gladney have been in law enforcement for a long time. They’ve seen a lot of bad situations and bad scenes.

So, they know there’s a need to help kids in a tough situation and their parents.

“We saw this as a need. So, we started having this toy drive and it’s been successful every year. And we see some very sad things with the children around when we are doing our job. So, we felt like this we needed, and we wanted to just give them hope and something bright for this time of year,” said Webster County Sheriff David Gore.

“With Christmas, this time of the year is tough for people. Because people are struggling and that is what this is for. We want to help the ones in need, and it’s been good and hopefully this one will be bigger and better than last year,” said Oktibbeha County Sheriff Steve Gladney.

The new toys are collected mostly after Thanksgiving and stored at the sheriff’s office.

Both long-time lawmen and family men know how important it can be for a parent to ensure their kid has a gift under the tree during Christmas time.

“When they come by to pick the toys up and you give it to them and they break down, then you know there is certainly a need. And that’s what we are trying to find out. I know we miss some but if there are some out there that need it then please give us their name and we will do what we can,” said Gladney.

All of the toys were donated. While out shopping the sheriff’s hope others will remember there are people who need an extra hand this holiday season.

“We started our toy drop-off yesterday, and we got the toy box off. But this would not be possible without the citizens of this town and the people of this county dropping toys off,” said Gladney.

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