Operation Holiday Toy Drive kicks off in Merced

The Christmas season of giving kicks off officially Saturday for a group of county employees who have made collecting gifts and clothing for children a holiday tradition.

Operation Holiday Toy Drive, a joint effort of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the Human Services Agency and the Bus, will begin collecting Christmas gifts for about 2,000 children living in Merced County.

The gifts of toys, clothing, blankets and money benefit many children in need and area foster kids. It’s a Christmas tradition that dates back more than a decade in Merced County.

“We want to make sure that every kid is the recipient of a gift, has something to open on Christmas morning,” said sheriff’s Sgt. Delray Shelton. “Nobody wants a child to go without something, and that’s why this is always a priority for us. That’s why the agencies and businesses and people involved spend their time and their talents to make sure every kid has a nice moment on Christmas.”

Today’s gift-collecting event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walgreens parking lot at Olive Avenue and G Street in Merced.

“It’s really our kickoff event where we get the community involved,” said C.J. Jones of the Human Services Agency. “We actually collect and raise funds all year, but (Saturday) is really when the public gets to join in.”

Jones said gathering items for older kids, ages 11 to 19, is the greatest challenge each year.

“That’s something that would really help us. Kids that age love gift cards from McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wal-mart, those kinds of things,” Jones said. “Everyone loves shopping for younger children, but all children really need things.”

Families who would like to sign up to receive donations from the drive may apply in person at the HSA Department. For more information or to donate after Saturday, call 209-385-3000, ext. 5285.

This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Operation Holiday Toy Drive kicks off in Merced."