Residents were able to offer charity for kids in need and take in a movie all thanks to the Emporia Police Department Benefit Association this weekend.
The annual EPBA Holiday Toy Drive brought families to B&B Theatres at Flint Hills Mall Sunday afternoon. Officers were on hand to pick up the donations along with a few special guests.
Santa Clause took a quick break from preparing for the holidays to spread some cheer and hand out candy canes to local children along with the Grinch who took a trip from Whoville to help collect donations.
EPBA President Gabe Withington took time Sunday to speak with KVOE and says this was one event the EPBA decided early on in the COVID-19 pandemic that they would not “let go of” for any reason.
All proceeds and donations from the event will go to TFI Family Services and St. Francis Community services to provide gifts for all of the foster children currently in their care. Charlie Trujillo of St. Francis says these donations ensure that foster children have something positive to look forward to during the holiday season.
Representatives from TFI were unable to attend the event. Totals from the toy drive are currently pending.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon, Scott Hays and Lisa Hays
{gallery}12-6-20 EPBA Toy Drive{/gallery}
