COPS Logan launches toy drive for Santa Store

It’s never too early to think about Christmas. At least, that’s the attitude COPS Logan president Michael Carlson has about the annual Santa Store hosted by the local Community Oriented Policing Services shops.

“I don’t like to procrastinate,” Carlson said.

Carlson has launched a toy drive to collect toys and other items to be put in the store, which is usually open for one day in mid-December at the Northeast Community Center. There, low-income children can buy gifts for parents and siblings at reduced prices.

“Almost everything is 50 cents,” Carlson said. “It’s a chance for children to experience the gift of giving. A big part of Christmas isn’t getting presents, it’s giving presents.”

One of Carlson’s fondest memories from his childhood is the Christmas he gave his sister a stuffed dog, which she adored.

“I remember for years feeling so proud of that,” he said.

Carlson said he wants to make sure all children in need have the opportunity to pick out a special gift for their family.

“I asked to be put in charge of it this year,” he said.

Part of the reason Carlson is getting an early start is because he wants to shift the focus of the Santa Store to providing new or like-new items.

“We’ve always depended on donations,” he said. “We’ve always gotten a lot of garage sale stuff, lots of knickknacks.”

He believes it is important to have high quality items available.

“I want them to go there and be excited about what they give,” he said.

Carlson suggests donating art supplies, children’s books, electronics, outdoor play toys, scooters and sports gear like balls or baseball gloves. Toys can include everything from Legos to dolls to toy trucks. Science and magic kits are also welcome.

Since children will be buying gifts for their parents or guardians as well, people can donate things suitable for adults, such as small gardening tools, work gloves, cooking pans, kitchen items and books.

Carlson said he doesn’t expect everything donated to be new. Just about every child has a toy in their room that really doesn’t get played with much and is still in excellent condition, Carlson said. Donating those items to the Santa Store can be a good way to declutter.

It takes hours of volunteer time to organize and put on the Santa Store. Last year the Rogers High School basketball team came by the day of the store to help children shop for their family members, Carlson said.

“The parents don’t go with them, because then they would see what they’re getting.”

Volunteers also wrap the gifts for the children to help the day be more special.

“Santa Claus is there and there’s pictures and it’s all free,” Carlson said.

So far, Carlson has put out a plea for donations on the Nextdoor website and plans to post periodic reminders about the need for toys in the coming months. He also plans to use Facebook to spread the word about the need for donations.

“It’s mostly going to be a social media campaign,” he said.

Carlson said he’s also been speaking with several local stores to see if they are willing to donate items to the Santa Store this year.

People can drop off their new and like-new items at COPS Logan, 2927 N. Perry St., and COPS Northeast, 5124 N. Market St. Those with questions can call Carlson at (509) 625-3333.