The Salvation Army's Annual Toy Distribution - "Toy Shop" is Tucson's largest pre-screened/pre-approved toy assistance program. It assists thousands of needy children each year, who might have otherwise gone without gifts under the Christmas tree.
Selected through an application process and administered through schools and Salvation Army Social Services, over 2000 needy families are identified and served. This year, over 150 Tucson schools and agencies have been invited to participate in this referral program.
Families selected for assitance receive not only an opportunity to "shop" for their children at The Salvation Army's Toy Distribution - "Toy Shop," but also receive when available, a food voucher to help provide a warm meal for Christmas. In addition, clients receiving assistance will be asked to participate in some volunteer projects to "pay it forward," as well as, have the opportunity to participate in some educational workshops to further help them get back on their feet.
OPERATION MCGREGOR
"A Gift of Community Outreach"
“Operation McGregor” was created in 2003 by the Tucson Police Department's, School Resource Officer (SRO), Judy McGregor.
“Operation McGregor” was a program that partnered
The Tucson Police Department's SROs, Tucson schools, and The Salvation Army to identify and assist needy children in the community.
Through the coordinated efforts and contacts of the "Operation McGregor" Team, children and families
in need were identified and assisted through an application and selection process. Once selected, these families were given holiday assistance through The Salvaton Army's Christmas Toy Distribution program. TPD officers provided hands-on contact during the gift distribution with chosen families.
Following the dissolution of the TPD - SRO program in 2008, TPD's Traffic Division picked up elements of the program, lending their hands TO assist parents at the toy distribution "Toy Shop."
Officer Judy McGregor and shopper
Dozens of Tucson Police Department officers and community volunteers assist at the distribution center, welcoming these families, as well as serving as “shopping escorts” with the hundreds of parents.
To volunteer please call 795-9671
" On April 26, 2005,
Officer Judy Marie McGregor, 45
was Promoted to Glory.
We are honored to continue to be part
of this wonderful program she created
and carried on in her name.
We send our prayers and blessings
to her family, friends and co-workers
as we strive to carry on "Judy's work."
Salvation Army's Annual Toy Distribution "Toy Shop"
For Christmas Toy Assistance, contact your school counselor or The Salvation Army Toy Registration Line at 792-1629.
Toy Goal: 35,000 Toys...We need help collecting toys - Click Here
