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Sabrina Bartlett, a Santa Maria resident, was due to make a quick run to Walgreens in the South Broadway district early Saturday, but she eventually bought three remote-controlled trucks – her contribution to the CHiP-for-Toys collection. Kids.
On Saturday morning, the California Highway Patrol is again associated with Walgreens Pharmacy for the annual event. CHP's Santa Maria division was open at 2399 S. Broadway from 10 am to 2 pm collect toys and cash donations for children in need from local communities in the county.
"I saw the CHP officers here and I wanted to buy something to give them," said Bartlett, an employee of Student Transportation of America.
Bartlett is used to seeing many young students from low-income families who do not have enough.
Bartlett, who had his very young children and had to raise them as single parents, said he understood the difficulties of many low-income families and single parents living to support their families.
"I have struggled a lot and I know what it looks like," she said. "It's hard for them, especially during the holidays."
"I see a lot of kids in need every day again, at my job," said Bartlett. "Why do not you help someone, give them a little something to cheer them up, improve their vacation a little, just a little help, it's been such a long way."
It's an idea that local Walgreens and CHP have imagined to make it a tradition, six years ago, said Rebecca Petersen, store manager.
"Being able to do this every holiday season is enjoyable – there are so many needy children in this community, and I still wish we could do more to help them," said Petersen.
California Highway Patrol Information Officer Efrem Moore said the department would accept donations until the end of the Christmas holidays. People can donate at 1710 N. Carlotti Drive in Santa Maria from 8am to 5pm. From Monday to Friday.
In the first hour following the introduction of the HPC toy collection, two large garbage cans were almost filled up to the summit, he said.
"Most people are coming out of the store with many gifts for the kids in the area," Moore said. "We are very grateful for the support and all the things we are collecting today remain here in our community, from New Cuyama to Santa Maria via Guadalupe and Orcutt.
"It's good that people are perpetuating their Thanksgiving feeling – they are grateful for what they have but give back too."
Gina Kim covers crime and the courts for Santa Maria Times. Follow her on Twitter @ gina_k210
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