For the 10th consecutive Holiday Season, Sunny Isles Beach Police Officers
& City Commissions sponsor a Holiday Toy Drive.

By Corporal Brian Schnell, Public Information Officer.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years” was how Corporal Melissa Montesino started our conversation about this years annual toy drive.  On Wednesday November 18, 2009, Corporal Montesino, Captain Snyder and I appeared on Today in South Florida on NBC 6 to promote this fulfilling and worthy cause.  As Corporal Montesino and I went over what we planned to say on live television, we couldn’t help but talk about how far this toy drive has come and how thankful the families that benefit from it truly are.  This year over 30 local families will depend on our toy drive to make their children’s holiday bright, not to mention the other agencies and organizations in neighboring areas that seek our help.

 “How is the drive going thus far?” I asked Corporal Montesino.  Without hesitation she said “Great, but we NEVER can have enough!”.  She went on to say that Mr. Chris Provost, the manager of the Walmart located at 19901 NW 27 Avenue, Miami Gardens, along with the students and faculty of the Sunny Isles Beach K-8 School, here in Sunny Isles Beach have again this year stepped up significantly to help out.

“Last year was difficult due to the economy, and this year will not be much better, it may be even worse.” said Montesino.  “It is a difficult time to ask people for donations, with everybody feeling the effects of this economy, but together if we all give a little, a lot can be accomplished.” said Montesino.    

We ask that you donate a new, unwrapped toy to one of the “Cops and Commissioners for Kids” Holiday toy drive donation boxes.  Currently the boxes are in the Police Station and the Government Center (first floor, near the Library).  Additional boxes will be placed in various businesses and condominium lobbies throughout the city.  A complete list of these locations will be posted at www.sibfl.net.  The boxes will be in place from now until December 23rd.  Please do not hesitate to contact Corporal Montesino at 305-947-4440 if you have any questions about this program.

Together, we can make the Holidays bright for every child in our community.  Happy Holidays from the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department!