Here's how you can donate to Braintree children and teens this holiday season
BRAINTREE – Whether it is filling a police cruiser or a room with toys, or providing pajamas and other clothing, residents will have several opportunities to donate items to help local families this holiday season.
Former Town Councilor Sean Powers, who chairs the Marge Crispin Social Services Center's holiday program, said the demand for toys is great this year, with many requests being made of the program. A particular need is gifts for older children in grades 6 through 12, such as gift cards to local stores in denominations of $5 and $10.
"Every year, the people and businesses of Braintree are so generous and have come through and then some" for needy families in town, Powers said. "We know they will once again support these toy drives and collection efforts."
The first event is the "Fill-A-Cruiser" toy drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at Braintree Town Hall, 1 John F. Kennedy Memorial Dr. The event is sponsored by Braintree police and Brewster Ambulance.
Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available, courtesy of Montilio's Bakery.
Donations will also be accepted in the lobby of police headquarters, 282 Union St., through Dec. 9.
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The 12th Annual Braintree Christmas Party will take place starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Granite Grille, 703 Granite St. Admission is one unwrapped toy for boys and girls ages 3 to 12 or gift cards for older children.
The Crispin Center is also collecting pajamas, which it distributes to each recipient.
Appetizers and a cash bar will be available with holiday music provided by Pat Lally, of South Shore Entertainment. Santa Claus will drop by and will be available for pictures at the "Selfie With Santa" station.
Powers said the party was started as a way to celebrate the holidays while being part of the giving season. The toys collected in both the cruiser drive and the party will be on display at the event.
The final chance to donate will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Braintree Masonic Building, 403R Washington St. Items for older children will be collected, including coats, gloves, scarfs, socks, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants, makeup, perfume/cologne and basic toiletries.
Any business or organization that would like to be part of the drives can contact Powers at 781-727-9408 or braintreechristmas@gmail.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Holiday drives seek to help Braintree neighbors during holidays
