SHELBY — The Shelby Police Department’s annual Christmas gift drive has continued to grow in both donations and requests each year.
Intended to help families that live within the Shelby City School District, the toy drive is “designed as a stop-gap help for people who were unable to sign up for other programs, or recently had a change in circumstance that prevents them from providing gifts to their children,” Shelby Chief of Police Lance Combs wrote on Facebook.
To improve the program’s efficiency, the department is asking for donations to arrive unwrapped. Shelby police will provide wrapping paper for families and allow them to wrap their own gifts.
Combs said the change assists the department greatly in separating and locating gifts for families by age and gender.
Shelby police are asking for new, unused and unopened gifts.
“All gifts will be distributed before Christmas,” Combs said. “Any gifts that are left over will be transported to Shelby Helpline to assist them with their 2025 Christmas Program.”
Gifts may be dropped off under the Christmas tree in the Shelby Justice Center lobby, 31 Mack Ave., at any time of day or night. Combs instructed folks to enter through the front door of the Justice Center and let dispatch know what they are there for before being granted entrance.
Donations will be collected through Christmas Eve.
Families in need can contact Shelby police at 419-347-2242. A dispatcher will explain how to apply for the program.
“You may submit a message to us on this platform (Facebook), however those messages are not constantly monitored and may take some time to reply,” Combs wrote. “All applicants are vetted and verified.”
Department seeking gifts for teens
Some of the most needed — and often most forgotten — items are for teenagers, the chief said.
“If you are in a financial position to help teenagers, it is most appreciated,” Combs said. “And if you aren’t sure what to get — gift cards are the best bet.”
Groups, businesses and civic organizations are also encouraged to donate as a group.
“We also encourage photos,” Combs said. “If you would like an officer in your photo, ask at the window and if we have someone available, we will be happy to have an officer come out for a photo with you or your group.”
Any group interested in having its photo posted by Shelby police can message pictures to the department’s Facebook account.
“We are fortunate to live in a caring community that gives freely to those in need and we are fortunate to have a space like this available to distribute your generosity,” Combs said.
“As always, thank you for your help and your donations, and Merry Christmas.”
