For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 3, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003

Methuen Police Department Announces Annual Toy Drive for Local Children in Need

METHUEN – Mayor James P. Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon are pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department is hosting a toy drive to benefit children in need this holiday season.

Methuen police are working with Debbie’s Treasure Chest, which provides aid and support to families in need during the holiday season.

Last year, police and community members donated approximately 1,800 toys to children in Methuen and throughout the Merrimack Valley. This year, the Department is hoping to match, or exceed that number.

“I am so grateful to see the department organize this generous event every year and help ensure that children in need wake up to a special Christmas morning,” Mayor Jajuga said, “I have no doubt that our officers and the community as a whole will do their part to make a lasting impact on the lives of kids.”

A “Giving tree,” decorated with snowball-shaped tags, each holding one child’s wish for a toy, are set up in the roll call room at the Methuen Police Department.

Current and former members of the department are invited to select a tag from the tree, fill out their information in the log sheet (located in a black binder next to the tree), purchase the gift requested and return the unwrapped toy to the giving tree. The toys can be for boys and girls of all ages. Any type of toy will be accepted, but food items cannot be accepted.

Community members who would like to donate to the toy drive can do so from now through Dec. 23 by bringing new, unopened and unwrapped gifts for kids of any age to the Methuen Police Department, 90 Hampshire St.

Toys collected from the Giving Tree will be presented to various social service agencies on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the event center at Everett Mills, 15 Union St., Lawrence.

“I’m honored and privileged to have the Methuen Police Department participate in such an important cause year after year,” Chief Solomon said. “I want to thank all those who plan on donating this year for their support. We are hoping to build on last year’s success and hope the community will rise to the challenge again this holiday season.” 

About Debbie’s Treasure Chest:

Debbie’s Treasure Chest is owned and operated by Harvey Girls, Inc., a 503(c)(3) organization. The group was founded by three children and works with social service agencies across the Merrimack Valley to deliver school supplies, clothing and toys to children in need.

One hundred percent of donations are used to improve the lives of as many children as possible by providing them with basic necessities. To learn more about Debbie’s Treasure Chest, visit their website at www.debbiestreasurechest.org, or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Debbies-Treasure-Chest-98824641050/.

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