Published: November 23, 2009 10:56 pm      

Police round up gifts for Windber toy drive

WINDBER — Even the Grinch can’t steal this Christmas.

Borough police are collecting toys and cash for the 10th annual Christmas for Kids drive for families in need.

Until recently, police were uncertain whether the event could happen this year.

The municipal building, where the gifts are stored, has been condemned, and the employee who ran the Windber Community Building has been laid off.

“I made the decision we’re going to try anyway,” police Sgt. Rick Skiles said. “We’re getting ready to make this happen. Right now we’re getting things fired up.”

Police help as many as 200 children and families annually by giving toys, clothing and gift certificates. Youngsters up to age 18 are provided with games, coloring books, dolls, bicycles and other gifts.

New Day Inc. provides the department with a list of families put together by local churches. Those families will be invited to a Christmas party Dec. 16 to receive the gifts.

The party was held at the community building last year. It’s not certain where it will be held this year.

Skiles remains optimistic the event will be successful.

“The community is coming together to help us pull this off,” he said.

Major contributors include Richard and Sharon Dunnington of Richland Township.

Community volunteers including Windber Area Visioning Experience (WAVE) are pulling together to wrap gifts.

Santa’s helpers are asking for new gifts but no stuffed animals.

Donations can be taken to Something Xtra Special, 311 14th St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The deadline for donations is Dec. 11.

Checks can be made payable to Windber Police Community Account.

For more information, contact police at 467-8383.