For the ninth year in a row, the GCC Police are taking on the role of Santa’s elves, as they purchase and wrap gifts for the holiday, during the annual toy drive.

The toy drive is based on “people in the most need,” and all of the donations benefit the Glendale campus, police Representative Nidal Kobaissi said. This makes the toy drive special, as those recieving gifts are students, and their children, of our very own community.

Applicants interested in the drive can obtain an application from various parts of the campus. The Financial Aid office, The Diasabled Students Center and the Campus Police Station all serve as pick-up and drop off points for the application. Once the applications are looked over, the police make their decisions on a need-based criteria and the fun begins.

First, the police collect “unwrapped toys for girls and boys, non-perishable food items and monetary donations,” according to Kobaissi. Then, they shop.

Members of the squad go shopping to places, such as grocery stores, and purchase food items and gift certicates.

Upon returning to the station, they lay out all the presents and match the gift up with the applicant. Finally, they wrap.

Kobaissi said they [the police department] spend all night wrapping gifts and during the wee hours of Christams Eve, members of the force personally deliver the gifts to the homes of those in need.

The entire process takes place between Nov. 22 and Dec. 17, as these are the dates in which people can fill out applications and/or donate
Checks can be made out to The Happy Holiday Fund and can be dropped off at the station, located on the first floor of the Sierra Madre Building.

For more information call the station at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5925.