CCSO annual holiday toy drive kicks off this weekend

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its annual Christmas toy drive and the event will be held at Norris Park this year.

The drive consists of three 12-hour days, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Norris Park. Deputies will complete the first day at 10 p.m., and resume the other 12 hours at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Donations can also be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24.

The toy drive also serves as a meet-and-greet between deputies and children.

"Santa, along with the Grinch, will be present throughout the drive and available for free pictures," Deputy Blake Lyons said. "We plan to have our Tacti-COOL Humvee, sheriffs' units, and deputies available to speak with community members and kiddos."

After the 3-day event, donations will be taken to St. Francis Children's Hospital in Tulsa.

There are restrictions on donations and toys must new and store-bought, in their original packaging. The hospital cannot accept: pre-loved or gently used items; items that have been in storage for an extended amount of time; stuffed animals without tags; beanie babies; or toys that depict weapons such as guns or swords.

Cash donations will be accepted, and Lyons said more toys will be purchased using those funds.

Toys or money donations can be dropped off at the sheriff’s office anytime until Dec. 15. Checks will be accepted and should be made out to Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.