The Salvation Army's Annual Toy Distribution 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 a hot meal or gifts under the Christmas tree.
Selected through an application process and administered through the schools and Salvation Army case managed programs, over 2000 needy families are identified, and served through this program and Adopt-A-Family This year, over 150 Tucson schools and agenciers have also 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 Shop but also receive a Basha's food voucher to help provide a warm meal for Christmas. This year, in addition to The Salvation Army providing resources, clients 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.
Community volunteers and officers of The Tucson Police Department also help as escorts for the hundreds of parents that shop over the multiple day distribution.
OPERATION MCGREGOR
"A Gift of Community Outreach"
Begun in 2003, by the Tucson Police Department's,
School Resource Officer, 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 assisting and shopping with parents at the toy distribution.
Officer Judy McGregor and shopper
THE TOY SHOP
Over 2000 pre-registered Tucson families in-need will be receiving holiday assistance this year with the help of your support & donations!
Applications for asssitance for this year will begin October 2012. See your school counselor
or call 795-9671.
For More Information on The 2012Salvation Army Christmas Toy Distribution Program-
For Donations of Toys or Resources:
Contact Tamara at 795-1395
TOYS MAY BE DONATED TO
The Salvation Army CIty Administration
1001 N. Richey Blvd
or
ANY Christmas Angel Tree Location
November 25 thru December 22
PARK PLACE MALL
TUCSON MALL
FOOTHILLS MALL ANGEL TREE (Food court)
During the assigned days of distribution, dozens of officers assist at the distribution center, welcoming these families, as well as serving as “shopping escorts” with the parents at the event.
For information on program application, contact your school counselors or The Salvation Army at 795-9671.
