Sgt. Santa Gets Big Boost; Toys Still Needed To Make Christmas For Kids
DETROIT (WWJ) - Sergeant Santa got a big helping hand Monday from the Society of Plastics Engineers.
The society donated and delivered nearly 500 boxes of toys to be distributed to area children by the Detroit Police Department.
WWJ Promotion Director Amy Berlin likes being one of Sergeant Santa's elves.
"It's great - it makes you feel really good. Last year was amazing, one of the best things I've done in my promotions career," said Berlin.
She says this will make a difference for many families who struggle to put a gift under the tree for their children.
"Today the Society of Engineers - they donated toys to Sgt. Santa and we were receiving them here at our Ferndale warehouse - so that we can get them out to the kids," said Berlin.
Trucker Jamie Solastis also got the privilege of being one of Sergeant Santa's helpers by delivering boxes and boxes of toys. "We've got 473 boxes," says Solastis. "I enjoy Christmas and I enjoy helping other people."
Your toy donations are still needed for the Sgt. Santa toy drive.
The program was initially proposed by WWJ midday anchor Jackie Paige and her producer Terri Lee-Sylvester. The team worked with the WWJ promotions department and Detroit Police to launch the program in 2014.
Nov. 9, 2015 through Dec. 11, 2015, stop by any Detroit Police Department Precinct (click here for a complete list of precincts or CLICK HERE TO MAKE A MONETARY DONATION). and drop off a new, unwrapped toy.
Additional Drop off Locations to bring a new, unwrapped toy:
*Applebee's Restaurant, 2111 Eight Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48220, now – 12/14
*Rochester Hills XFINITY Store – located in The Village of Rochester Hills shopping center, 66 North Adams, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, now – 12/14
*Plymouth XFINITY Store – located on Ann Arbor Road, west of Haggerty, 41592 Ann Arbor Rd. E., Plymouth, MI 48170, now – 12/14
*December 7: Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2015 , Orchestra Hall, 6-8 p.m.
*December 9: University of Detroit Mercy/University of Toledo Basketball Game, Calihan Hall, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
*December 12: University of Detroit Mercy/Bowling Green Basketball Game, Calihan Hall, 12-2 p.m.
*December 15: Holiday Celebration With The Von Trapps, Orchestra Hall, 6-8 p.m.
Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop
The week leading up to Christmas, WWJ Newsradio 950 and the Detroit Police Department will be dropping off toys to families throughout Detroit.
Get involved with the Detroit Police Department and WWJ Newsradio 950. Let's bring the holidays to Detroit kids in need.
