DICKSON COUNTY, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The 4th Annual Toy Patrol donation drive organized by the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is underway, but this year’s campaign is different. After the department’s loss of Sgt. Daniel Baker earlier this year, the Toy Patrol will be held in his honor.
Deputy Dustin Evans is a School Resource Officer who teaches a D.A.R.E. program and heads the Toy Patrol each year. Evans said Sgt. Baker helped make the drive a success and always worked during the event to make sure others could participate.
“Daniel gave a lot to our community,” Deputy Evans said. “This is a good way to honor him around the holiday season.”
The Toy Patrol collects new, unwrapped toys, winter clothing (scarves, gloves, hats, coats, etc.) and books for children ages 3-11. Monetary donations are also accepted.
During the culminating event, children in need from the Dickson County community will be invited to visit Santa and receive the gifts.
Deputy Evans said DCSO sends letters to schools in the area prior to the donation drive so teachers can submit the names of students who would benefit from the drive. The local Head Start program will also be included this year.
Once a name is submitted, an invitation letter is sent to the child’s parents and requires an RSVP. The list of names is then provided to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Evans was inspired to start the event four years ago after responding to a 911 hang-up call. While checking the names of the family members at the home, Evans realized they were the same names given to him by a citizen looking to spread holiday cheer to rural community members. He and another deputy were able to give toys to the family, and Evans took it as a sign. After that event, the Toy Patrol was formed.
The deadline to donate is Dec. 1, 2018. Deputy Evans encourages anyone out shopping in the coming weeks to pick up an additional item for the Toy Patrol.
“Our motto at the Sheriff’s Office is service before self, and we just want to be able to give back. Our community has done so much for us and this is our opportunity to give back. Holidays aren’t always easy for some and we understand that,” Evans said.
For more information about Toy Patrol, contact Deputy Evans at devans@dicksoncounty.net. See collection information below:
Collection Sites
Dickson County Sheriff’s Office
140 County Jail Rd.
Charlotte, TN 37036
7 a.m to 4 p.m. M-F
Dickson County EMS
284 Cowan Rd.
Dickson, TN 37055
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F