Once again this year, the David Traylor Zoo and Emporia Police Department Benefit Association are teaming up to light up the start of the holiday season.
Tuesday features the zoo’s annual Happy Holidaze lighting ceremony — and the Benefit Association’s annual toy drive for foster children. Benefit Association spokesperson Brittany Jones tells KVOE News some of the children may have already had interactions with law enforcement in difficult situations.
The Benefit Association is working with several social service agencies locally, including CALM, Saint Francis Ministries and TFI.
Residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys for children at Tuesday’s drive at the zoo, and they can also drop off items for teenagers like tablets, hair accessories, games, jewelry or clothing. If you can’t attend Tuesday’s event but would like to donate toys, or if you need ideas for gifts specifically for teenagers, click here for the Amazon wish list link. Residents can also drop off toys at the Police Department lobby at 518 Mechanic.
Happy Holidaze, meanwhile, begins at 5 pm and will feature music from the Emporia High and Emporia Middle School Chorales, as well as a craft, reindeer games, appearances by Santa, Mrs Claus and Buddy the Elf, hot cocoa and the official lighting of the zoo’s Christmas lights.
Jones and Zoo Director Brenda Young will be KVOE’s Newsmaker guests with an update at 7:20 am Monday.
