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ThinkstockPhotos-487922443It’s officially the holiday season, and Long Beach police, in recognition of the many families who can’t afford the extras like toys for their family, are kickstarting their annual toy drive.

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officially announced its annual push to collect unwrapped toys from generous Long Beachers today, to be collected at four locations throughout the city:

  • Police Headquarters, 400 West Broadway
  • East Division, 4800 Los Coyotes Diagonal
  • North Division, 4891 Atlantic Avenue
  • West Division, 1835 Santa Fe Avenue

The LBPD will actually be giving the toys to less fortunate families they know firsthand, due to circumstances beyond their control. In fact, no referrals for potential recipient families are accepted.

The high-demand toys are those for children aged 12 and older; this year, the LBPD said the toys for the target demographic are especially needed.

Monetary donations and gift cards are accepted through the Long Beach Police Foundation (LBPF), a nonprofit organization, at LBPF, P.O. Box 15418, Long Beach, California 90815. Mailed donations should be marked “Toy Patrol” on the memo line.

Collection boxes are available at the four above addresses, any Farmers and Merchants bank branch and numerous other businesses throughout the city.

For more information, or to request a collection box, call 562.570.7212.